Sustainability Advisory Commission Meeting

APPROVED CITY OF URBANA, ILLINOIS SUSTAINABILITY ADVISORY COMMISSION Council Chambers, Urbana City Building Tuesday, March 2, 2021 Commissioners Present: James Corbin, Tomas Delgado, Stacy Gloss, Andrew Stumpf, Morgan White, Grace Wilken Commissioners Absent: Jessica Lehmkuhl, Maddy Garbacz Staff Present: Scott Tess Call to Order, Roll Call, and Declaration of Quorum Stacy Gloss called the meeting to order, a roll was called and a quorum was present. Approval of Minutes Grace Wilken motioned to approve the minutes from the February 2, 2021 meeting. Morgan White seconded the motion. Grace Wilken made a note to remove a section that was from previous minutes. Andrew Stumpf also noted that a word was missing from the Public Input section of the minutes. James Corbin, Tomas Delgado, Stacy Gloss, Andrew Stumpf, Morgan White, and Grace Wilken voted yes to approve the minutes as amended. The motion passed. Public Input There was no public input Presentations Kara Dudek, Park Planner and Savannah Donovan, Environmental Public Program Coordinator from the Urbana Park District came on to share the Urbana Park District’s CARES Plan, which stands for Climate Action, Resilience, Education and Sustainability. A discussion ensued. (See attached slides). This is in the Public Input phase, and the public is encouraged to fill out the survey until March 9th at: https://www.urbanaparks.org/be-green-help-inform-the-urbana-park-district- cares-climate-action-resilience-education--sustainability-plan/ Traci Barkley, Director of the Sola Gratia Farm and Emily McKown, Executive Director of Channing- Murray Foundation came on to share about the Solidarity Gardens Initiative, which is a collaborative project to produce more fresh, local food for those who need and want it in our community and how it came to be. A discussion with the speakers and Commission members ensued. (See attached flyer). More information is available at: www.Solidarity-Gardens-CU.org. Staff Report Community Solar Nexamp has begun land-clearing activities at the closed landfill. Staff continue to support subscription recruitment activities. 1  APPROVED Geothermal Geothermal Urbana-Champaign has secured seven contracts for installation totaling 28 tons of capacity and has 25 proposals out for review by property owners. There are seven remaining Geo Power Hours listed at geothermalUC.org. Green House Gas Inventory Staff is collecting annual data to create a calendar year 2020 municipal greenhouse gas emissions inventory. Public Engagement Staff spoke to the University of Illinois classes CEE 438 - Science and Environmental Policy and NRES285 - iCAP Ambassadors about City sustainability work. Ucycle Cities and the County will host a Spring Residential Electronics Collection Event over two days: Friday, May 21, 2021 AND Saturday, May 22, 2021. Pre-registration is required to participate; online registration will open on April 12. Residents can sign up for a 15-minute time slot to drop off their used electronic items for recycling, free of charge. Timeslots will be filled for Saturday first with Friday timeslots used for overflow capacity. To register, visit the collection website beginning April 12. If you need assistance with registering, please email recycling@champaignil.gov on April 12. As part of your registration, you will select one of the 15-minute time slots to bring your items. Announcements  Geothermal Power Hours posted at geothermaluc.org  Household Hazardous Waste collection event Saturday, April 10, 2021 – Location TBA, Registration TBA– general public will be notified once contracts/logistics approved  Residential Electronics Collection Event – Scheduled for Saturday, May 21 and 22, 2021 Next Sustainability Advisory Commission Meeting April 6 at 7:00 pm in Council Chambers at the Urbana City Building or by Zoom depending on circumstances. Unfinished Business JEDI goals and activities Chair Stacy Gloss entertained a motion to continue this discussion on the Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion goals in the May 2021 meeting. Morgan White moved to continue the motion. She asked that half an hour be devoted to the JEDI goals discussion. Tomas Delgado seconded the motion. Announcements The Sustainability Advisory Commission has an immediate opening for Commission Member. Interested parties may download the application form at: https://www.urbanaillinois.us/boards/sustainability-advisory-commission. The next Sustainability Advisory Commission meeting is scheduled for April 6, 2021. With no further discussion, the meeting was adjourned at 8:43 p.m. This meeting was recorded. 2 Urbana Park District CARES Plan 2021-26 DRAFT for Public Input 1  CARES= Climate Action, Resilience, Education and Sustainability Three Planning Pillars, or overarching themes: Communicating Climate Action underscores the Urbana Park District's commitment to serve as a community leader and role model for climate action—through internal practices, public outreach & programs, and collaborative partnerships. Protecting & Strengthening Our Natural Environment reinforces the Urbana Park District’s responsibility to care for the health of humans, plants, animals, ecosystems & the climate—by reducing our carbon footprint, stewarding natural areas, and improving air & water quality. Conserving Resources highlights the Urbana Park District’s dedication to the sustainability of natural resources—through conserving energy & water, using clean energy, reducing waste, and increasing recycling & reuse. 2 All of the following ideas are in draft form, and we welcome changes, additions, and deletions.  What topics don’t make sense?  Is anything missing?  Are the goals or objectives too specific, or focus too much on any one topic?  Are the goals feasible in the next 5 years? Each of the three pillars contains a series of broad goals. Later on, these goals are broken down into objectives and detailed performance measures to help UPD work towards achieving them. 3 Communicating Climate Action: Goal 1: Communicate the importance of climate action through internal practices. Goal 2: Provide outreach and programming opportunities to best communicate climate action to diverse audiences. Goal 3: Provide leadership and public information to advocate for environmental sustainability and climate action. Goal 4: Communicate environmental topics, and opportunities for climate action, through art, sculpture, and interpretation. Goal 5: Collaborate with partners to reach new audiences, and expand climate change impacts in the community. Protecting & Strengthening Our Natural Environment Goal 1: Reduce the district’s carbon footprint. Goal 2: Improve outdoor air quality. Goal 3: Steward biodiversity through responsible care and expansion of natural areas. Goal 4: Enhance aquatic and public health through water quality improvements. Conserving Resources Goal 1: Reduce consumption of energy and water. Goal 2: Utilize cleaner energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Goal 3: Reduce waste generated through UPD programs, facilities, and processes. Goal 4: Increase recycling and reuse to divert waste from landfills. 4  Communicating Climate Action underscores the Urbana Park District's commitment to serve as a community leader and role model for climate action—through internal practices, public outreach & programs, and collaborative partnerships. Goal 1: Communicate the importance of climate action through internal practices. Responsible Objective Strategy Performance Measure Staff Groups 1. Research existing green purchasing A. Develop a district-wide Create and share document with Administrative Administration, programs, resources and reuse green purchasing program Staff and Green Team in FY 22. Green Team opportunities. for office supplies, cleaning 2. Lead purchasing staff will bid or products, and other Create new quotes and bid sheets for greener Administration, quote green products and alternatives routine purchasing. alternatives in FY 22. Green Team to single-use plastics. 1. Create materials for new part-time Develop two short training videos and additional Green Team and full-time staff during onboarding. digital resources. B. Expand UPD staff’s Present to all staff, part-time and full-time, at least 2. Discuss how to implement Green Team understanding of climate once each year. environmentally- responsible practices change; provide tools for Deliver short presentations (about five minutes in the workplace during all-staff action, and cultivate an long) during at least four departmental staff Green Team meetings. environmentally- meetings each year. responsible staff culture. Offer optional staff development presentations at 3. Encourage employees to “go green” least once per year (including at District natural Green Team at home as well. areas). 5 Goal 2: Provide outreach and programming opportunities to best communicate climate action to diverse audiences. Responsible Objective Strategy Performance Measure Staff Groups 1. Teach kids how to compost food scraps from meals during summer Campers will produce usable compost each Camp camp; utilize reminders and prompts summer and decide how to use it. Coordinators A. Increase kids’ such as signs. knowledge and experience Camp with reducing waste Offer incentives (such as prizes or special honors) Coordinators, during district summer for campers and staff to recycle during camp. 2. Encourage recycling and waste-free Marketing camps. lunches. Provide information for adults and children (along Camp with the summer camp manual) about how to pack Coordinators, waste-free or low-waste lunches. Marketing 1. Offer climate change education Integrate climate change lessons, activities and Program during SPLASH and other afterschool resources into already-existing afterschool Coordinators programs. programs, at least five each year. B. Provide relevant climate Infuse climate change curriculum in at least two Environmental change education and 2. Offer climate change educational existing standards-based environmental education Education related events for local programming and resources for K-12 programs. Offer “take-home” resources for Coordinator school children. students through standards-based (Next participants when appropriate. Generation Science Standards) Offer a free 30-minute “introduction to climate Environmental curriculum. change” program and discussion for local Education educators. Coordinator Collaborate with community members from Outreach & underrepresented neighborhoods to organize Wellness, 1. Improve local conditions while nearby park landscape improvements (such as tree- Planning & increasing awareness of climate change or native plantings) in FY 22. Operations C. Integrate the district’s (and how to mitigate it) in historically In collaboration with the Urbana Parks Foundation Administration, “You Belong Here” underserved neighborhoods and parks. establish a “UPD Tree Fund” to provide trees in Green Team, initiatives by finding ways underrepresented parks, and host annual tree Outreach & to connect with historically planting events. Wellness underserved audiences. Environmental, Utilize Urvana, website, social media, and other PR 2. Spread the word about CU Solidarity Outreach & opportunities to promote CU Solidarity Gardens at Gardens resources. Wellness, least ten times in FY 22. Marketing 6  Environmental, 3. Create a walking tour for Spanish Offer in Spanish at least one recorded hike and one Outreach & speakers at the Perkins Road Park Site. in-person hike by FY 23. Wellness, Marketing D. Increase youth and teen understanding of climate change concepts (such as how local 1. Offer programs and service-learning Facilitate at least two climate action programs for Program ecosystems mitigate the opportunities for youth and teen this audience each year. Coordinators negative impacts of participants. climate change) and their involvement in local climate action. 1. Increase public knowledge about “green” cooking (using low-waste, Host one cooking class in FY 23 (virtual or in- Community locally-sourced, and organic person) that demonstrates how to cook a meal. Programs ingredients). 2. Increase public knowledge about Host at least one program about homemade/ eco- E. Engage adults and age- Program conserving resources at home to save friendly alternatives to common household friendly (50 and better) Coordinators money. products by FY 23. audiences. 3. Collaborate with local health Environmental, professionals to increase community Offer at least one related public program, service, Outreach & awareness about the ties between or resource each year. Wellness, environmental health and human Marketing health. F. Engage with the 1. Have Green Team or Environmental Present at three or more Play Days in the Park by Environmental, community during free Department staff offer activities or the end of Summer 2022. Green Team public events. resources at Play Days in the Park. 7 Goal 3: Provide leadership and public information to advocate for environmental sustainability and climate action. Responsible Objective Strategy Performance Measure Staff Groups Program staff, 1. Seek out new avenues for public Staff a booth at community events, at least one A. Report and promote Green Team, information and contact. new location outside of the district each year. annual CARES Plan UPDAC accomplishments to 2. Highlight seasonal actions that have increase public awareness been initiated or completed and Publish progress updates on the district website Green Team, about climate action. provide infographics to inform the and Program Guide at least twice each year. Marketing public on progress made by the UPD. Goal 4: Communicate environmental topics, and opportunities for climate action, through art, sculpture, and interpretation. Responsible Objective Strategy Performance Measure Staff Groups 1. During Arts Camp, create a Public display of at least one piece of art related to Community collaborative art piece to be displayed climate change. Programs & A. Promote youth artistic at the Phillips Recreation Center. Arts Camp Staff Host an in-person or virtual reception. creativity in addressing 2. Nature Day Camp participants will Environmental climate change. Public display of at least three exhibits at the Anita create a temporary exhibit about how Programs & Purves Nature Center and promotion on social to offset or mitigate the negative Nature Camp media. impacts of climate change. Staff Arts & Culture Matrix Team, 1. Work with local artists to display At least one new piece displayed in an Urbana park Green Team, temporary art exhibits that raise each year. Planning & awareness of environmental issues B. Use art and sculpture as Operations (such as plastic waste). a means to communicate Create a short video about each piece. Marketing environmental concerns and climate action. Community 2. Celebrate the 25 Anniversary of the th Programs, Wandell Sculpture Garden while In FY 2022-2023 organize a community special Environmental, integrating themes of natural areas and event. Planning & climate change. Operations 8 C. Utilize interpretive 1. Highlight the values and benefits of Environmental, exhibits as a way to convey urban woodlands, wetlands, and prairie Incorporate climate change-related content into Planning & information about climate restoration through interpretive panels 50% or more of new interpretive exhibits. Operations change. or exhibits in parks and natural areas. Goal 5: Collaborate with partners to reach new audiences, and expand climate change impacts in the community. Responsible Objective Strategy Performance Measure Staff Groups 1. Attend C4 meetings on a regular A. Collaborate with basis and participate in C4 collaborative UPD staff attend at least 75% of C4 meetings. Champaign County Climate opportunities. Environmental, Coalition (C4) to expand 2. Work with C4 to identify “best Green Team climate action community- Creation of a “best-practices” document or practices” for improving local wide. guidelines by FY 23. environmental conditions. B. Attract involvement 1. Organize a booth for Quad Day on UPDAC, Green Annual presence of UPD booth at Quad Day starting from University of Illinois the UIUC campus to increase Team, in FY 23. students, faculty and staff. awareness and attract volunteers. Environmental 1. Build and maintain ties with C. Work with other local community groups such as the Youth environmental groups as a Climate Justice Forum, Faith in Place, Invite members of such groups to attend relevant resource and to help City of Urbana Sustainability & district planning meetings, at least three times each All Staff facilitate programs and Resilience (including U-Cycle staff), and year. events. the Urbana Sustainability Advisory Committee. 9  Protecting & Strengthening Our Natural Environment reinforces the Urbana Park District’s responsibility to care for the health of humans, plants, animals, ecosystems & the climate—by reducing our carbon footprint, stewarding natural areas, and improving air & water quality. Goal 1: Reduce the district’s carbon footprint. Responsible Objective Strategy Performance Measure Staff Groups 1. Plant trees to improve carbon Grounds More trees planted with equitable sequestration, improve air quality, and distribution/benefits through every Urbana park. reduce urban heat island effect. A. Reduce and offset UPD’s overall carbon emissions. Educate staff on best practices at least once per year Green Team 2. Implement no idling best practices at staff trainings. for district vehicles. Increase and activate no idling settings in fleet as Operations, available. Project Expand trail networks total miles by 15%. 1. Increase active transportation Budget for and expand bike racks by at least 5 per Recreation, opportunities such as biking and year. Administration walking. Create a program to offer incentives for active transportation to programs, events, and work. 2. Decrease in the amount of materials Reuse volume of chip material brought to LRC. B. Reduce vehicle trips and brought to Landscape Recycling Center Grounds total miles traveled. (LRC), and the cost to dispose of Use of chip in natural areas locations where soil Maintenance natural materials. amending is needed, e.g. fill areas, trails, or habitat. Evaluate and map routine district vehicle routes to reduce mileage, for example: trash collection, Operations 3. Evaluate and create efficient pavilion/restroom cleaning, mowing. vehicular routes, deliveries. Develop process for bulk ordering supplies for District- wide reduced pickup/deliveries. 10  1. Calculate carbon footprint using Green Team Annual benchmarking of carbon emissions. available parameters annually. C. Work towards achieving Facility specific targets to reduce carbon emissions Green Team 2. Identify UPD sources of the greatest UPD carbon neutrality by (heating/cooling/lighting) emissions and offsets, and develop 2030. subsequent goals and objectives Park specific targets to sequester carbon Green Team accordingly. (trees/natural areas) Goal 2: Improve outdoor air quality. Responsible Objective Strategy Performance Measure Staff Groups 1. Improve and maintain dust free Pave and convert any non-compliant dust Operations, A. Reduce UPD paving. contributing hardscapes to be compliant by 2023. Planning contributions to fine particulate matter--PM 2.4 Partner with City of Urbana and/or contracted 2. Increase frequency of street and PM 10. sweeping services to develop a schedule for district Operations sweeping in district lots and roadways. paved areas. B. Reduce black carbon, nitrogen oxide, toxin, and 1. Research available technologies and Green Team, Implement at least three new approaches to reduce greenhouse gas maintenance protocols to reduce UPD Operations, air pollution contributions. contributions of the air pollution contributions. Planning district. 11 Goal 3: Steward biodiversity through responsible care and expansion of natural areas. Responsible Objective Strategy Performance Measure Staff Groups 1. Create a network of insect/wildlife Increase this network by 5000 square feet over next A. Increase the amount of corridors through naturalized areas in five years. Natural Areas, quality naturalized areas at each park, pollinator pockets, no mow Grounds Inventory and install naturalized areas in all parks UPD. zones, invasive species removal, and Maintenance that do not currently have any native landscaping. increased biodiversity. 1. Account for tree removals (storm Compare the district-wide number of plantings to B. Increase the overall damage, safety, construction) by the number of removals each year, ensuring more Grounds number of trees in UPD replanting at a minimum 1:1. have been planted than removed. Maintenance inventory. 2. Replant with emphasis on species Create planting list of trees that provide higher that support native insects and wildlife. wildlife value. 1. Annually evaluate maintenance Annual review meeting each winter with Ops staff to methods to uncover possible Operations review innovation in equipment and methods. efficiencies in time and resources. C. Maintain UPD Parks and 2. Implement best practices in Natural Areas in herbicide use and alternative environmentally management approaches including use Train all Grounds and Natural Areas Staff (including Grounds sustainable ways. of mechanical controls, limiting use of part-time) on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Maintenance, herbicide, evaluating organic and alternative weed management approaches. Natural Areas herbicides, and allowing for weeds where suitable. 1. Design passive greenhouse (with water collection system) for Hickory Preliminary design and cost estimate by end of 2022. Grounds D. Develop sustainable, in- Street Storage Site. Maintenance, house native, local 2. Seek partners or grants for funding Natural Areas, Identify potential partners and funding sources by ecotype, rare plant Research appropriate grants/ Facilities end of 2024. propagation program. foundations. Maintenance, 3. Install operational greenhouse and Installation complete and plant production beginning Planning water collection system. by end of 2026. E. Enhance community- 1. Connect public with sources for and Develop a “beginner native plant guide” to be shared Marketing, wide biodiversity. information about native plants. with the community. Natural Areas 12  Create series of four videos on natural areas stewardship & seasonal natural history. Offer one workshop per year on native landscaping Natural Areas, and pollinator gardens. Environmental Promote local native plant fundraisers (such as Grand Prairie Friends and East Central Illinois Master Marketing, Naturalists) by sharing information on website and Natural Areas social media. Add at least two new sites to be actively stewarded 2. Expand invasive species removal and as natural areas under a higher level of care. For planting of natives in UPD parks and Natural Areas example: Chief Shemauger, Judge Webber, Binkerd natural areas. Grove) Begin invasive species removals and native plantings 3. Enhance existing wildlife corridors along 500 linear feet of wildlife corridors such as the Natural Areas under UPD ownership. Saline Branch which flows through multiple park district sites. Map existing corridors and note gaps in quality 4. Promote stewardship of missing biodiversity. Natural Areas, links to create regionally functional Collaborate with adjacent landowners to enhance Planning corridors. corridor biodiversity. 13 Goal 4: Enhance aquatic and public health through water quality improvements. Responsible Objective Strategy Performance Measure Staff Groups 1. Increase the amount of bioswales/ A. Increase the success and raingardens in the district by environmental impact of Convert at least two mowed areas with existing Grounds identifying a location that has overland green infrastructure overland flow into bioswales or raingardens. Maintenance, flow and create a planting plan to help practices (rain gardens/ water infiltration. Natural bioswales, permeable Areas, 2. Go beyond just installing green Incorporate maintenance checklists for natural areas pavement, engineered Planning infrastructure to ensure proper management plans and associated green wetlands). maintenance and functioning. infrastructure practices in UPD system. 1. Learn about more efficient salt Provide Land Conservation Saltsmart training to staff Operations, deicing techniques to reduce the effect B. Improve quality of water and invite area agencies to join by winter of 2022-23. Planning of salt on waterways and aquatic life. runoff during winter 2. Evaluate and pilot alternative deicing months. Trial use of alternative deicing products and ongoing products (for example, corn based Operations use of any that are suitable. products) and techniques. C. Identify locations of 1. Partner with City to identify all storm point source impacts on sewers in parks, including sources and Completed and updated GIS storm system inventory. Planning UPD parks, natural areas, outlets. and waterways. 14  Conserving Resources highlights the Urbana Park District’s dedication to the sustainability of natural resources—through conserving energy & water, using clean energy, reducing waste, and increasing recycling & reuse. Goal 1: Reduce consumption of energy and water. Responsible Objective Strategy Performance Measure Staff Groups 1. Educate staff on how to save Reduce total kW hours used by 2% per year from electricity by doing simple things such Green Team 2021 baseline. as turning off lights, monitors, etc. 2. Catalog all light fixtures in the district Create a comprehensive list of fixtures on a facility by Operations for future efficiency upgrades. facility basis. 3. Create a plan for replacing all lighting with LED bulbs or fixtures. This includes Create a phased and plan and budget for upgrading trading fluorescent tubes for LED all lighting in district, ensuring use of available Operations, A. Reduce electricity fixtures and transitioning to LED pole Ameren incentive programs. Planning consumption. lighting where solar not possible due to shading. Aquatics 4. Install variable frequency drives Install at least 3 VFD either through retrofit or Maintenance, (VFDs) on equipment to reduce energy equipment replacement. Operations, use. Planning 5. Assess feasibility of photo- Install three exit signs on trial basis to determine luminescent (glowing) exit signs which Operations usability district-wide. do not use electricity. 1. Implement rainwater harvesting to reduce water consumption and Install at least one rainwater cistern collection device Planning & B. Reduce potable water improve efficiency of landscape/tree in next five years. Operations used for watering watering operations. landscaping or fields. 2. More perennials than annuals to Grounds reduce water usage. 15  Once per year, employ in house pressure and dye 1. Underground leak detecting. Aquatics testing to identify water leaks. (Using UPD Aquatics Maintenance staff or a leak detection company. Implement a process for staff to catch these issues Aquatics 2. Address issue of showers being left earlier; for example, hourly staff checks for running. on by patrons after use. Long term, swap fixtures for water conserving or Aquatics, timed models. Operations C. Target water 3. Keep pulse on industry and Aquatics and Aquatics Maintenance staff will attend conservation at both pools. Aquatics implementing water saving practices. at least one training or conference per year. Reduce the timing on exterior water feature at Aquatics 4. Adjust features at the Crystal Lake CLPFAC so it runs for a shorter duration (3 minutes) Maintenance Park Family Aquatic Center which have once button is activated. historically low usage or maintenance Consider replacing sand play amenity with another Operations, concerns. activity for young children, due to maintenance Planning concerns. Goal 2: Utilize cleaner energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Responsible Objective Strategy Performance Measure Staff Groups 1. Expand the use of solar arrays for Grow the size of UPD’s solar array(s) from 6 kW to 50 Planning & generating clean energy on-site. kW. Operations A. Use more renewable energy sources. Facilities 2. Determine possible locations for Implement solar lighting in at least two sites. Maintenance, implementing solar light fixtures. Planning Contact at least three fleet managers at other districts, regional dealerships, or manufacturers to Planning & 1. Research requirements to support develop list of requirements for charging electric Operations electric vehicles, both for district fleet B. Prepare district facilities vehicles. and public visitors. for electric vehicle Planning & Draft specifications by end of 2022. charging. Operations 2. Create a plan to finance electric Planning & Develop preliminary cost estimate and include in charging requirements and Operations, Capital Improvement Projects list. infrastructure. Administration 16  Seek options for grant funding including Ameren, Planning & Clean Energy Foundation, SEDAC, etc. Operations Planning, 3. Installation of charging stations. Install charging stations at one facility by 2026. Operations On each vehicle replacement bid, request an Planning, 1. Research electric and hybrid vehicle alternate of electric or hybrid option. Operations options. As part of vehicle replacement schedule, replace at Planning, C. Initiate transition least two vehicles with electric or hybrid models. Operations towards electric powered 2. Research and test electric vehicles and equipment. equipment (chainsaws, string Transition at least 10 pieces of gas-powered grounds Operations trimmers, mowers, etc.) for future and natural areas equipment to electric-powered. purchase. D. Employ energy 1. Explore technologies such as high Planning staff will ensure energy conserving conserving building efficiency HVAC systems, high R-value equipment is discussed at the initial stages of any Planning, practices in all new insulation, LED and motion sensor construction project, and at least one technology is Operations construction and lighting, solar panels, geothermal implemented. substantial upgrades. heating, etc. Goal 3: Reduce waste generated through UPD programs, facilities, and processes. Responsible Objective Strategy Performance Measure Staff Groups 1. Increase use of recyclable or Create a list of at least ten potential products or Green Team compostable material. diversion strategies to choose from based on event. Employ volunteers to stand by trash receptacles to 2. Provide opportunities for public to Operations, A. Reduce waste at UPD assist in sorting and educate on recycling or recycle or compost materials at events. Recreation programs and events of composting at two events per year. more than 50 people. 3. Adjust general philosophy of “swag” Identify at least three new “swag” items that fall Operations, offerings to include some natural into these parameters, such as prairie seeds, Recreation, materials or items which can be used saplings, reusable or edible items by summer of Marketing up. 2022. Creation and implementation of district-wide Green Team, B. Compost food waste composting process through education, 1. Create a pilot program for Grounds, created by staff and infrastructure (compost bins), and process (ex: composting at a staff level. Facilities visitors at UPD facilities. designating Green Team member from each facility Maintenance to drop off compost). 17  2. Work with staff at summer food Develop guideline or process for which spoiled program (CUPHD) to allow composting foods can be composted, while still allowing CUPHD Green Team of food waste. to gather required documentation on lunches. 1. Teach employees how to save In year one, reduce paper purchasing budget by 5%. Green Team, documents, files, budgets, notes and In five years, reduce paper purchasing budget by Office other paperwork electronically (USB 25%. Managers sticks, shared files, G Drive). 2. Train and transition majority of staff Administration, 100% of full and part time staff will use a paperless to a paperless time system (ex: Technology timesheet system by 2026. Humanity, Microsoft Excel). Team C. Reduce paper usage Identify one new process for reducing paper used district-wide. on Marketing materials while continuing to make Marketing connections with the community. For example: QR 3. Work to reduce the amount of paper code or email list at events for flyers. generated through marketing or customer service initiatives. Receipts at Crystal Lake Park Family Aquatic Center have been identified as a significant amount of Administration, paper waste and litter. Assess opportunity for Aquatics emailed receipts or a signature confirmation. Employ the reusable “picnic kits” at UPD All Staff meetings. Green Team 1. Work to purchase less single use Identify at least two vendors who use large amounts plastics at UPD. D. Reduce the use of single of plastic in packaging and work on an alternate Green Team use plastics district- wide. solution. 2. Encourage the use of products that have a longer life and are made of Gift all staff with reusable silverware kits. Green Team more durable materials. 18 Goal 4: Increase recycling and reuse to divert waste from landfills. Responsible Objective Strategy Performance Measure Staff Groups Inventory recycling bins in facilities and parks, and A. Increase recycling bins 1. Identify locations, and budget for identify opportunities for new bins. Facilities district-wide. installation of additional recycling bins. Maintenance Installation of identified bins by 2023. 1. Identify and quantify what products UPD commonly relies on. Actively promote the use of, and provide reusable B. Reduce UPD use plastic. water bottles, at five public events each year. This objective still under 2. Provide and promote more Install two water bottle fillers in district facilities or development. opportunities for the public to refill parks. reusable water bottles. Provide coolers for refilling water bottles at all events located in a place without a drinking fountain. Green Team, 1. Recycle all Styrofoam that comes Create a Styrofoam recycling area at Planning and Facilities into the district. Operations. C. Eliminate all Styrofoam Maintenance waste generated by staff. Operations, 2. Reduce Styrofoam generated in Create a reference document for future purchasing Office purchasing of materials. based on experience with Styrofoam packaging. Managers 19  Vision, Values & Commitment It is the mission of the Urbana Park District to:  Improve the quality of life of its citizens through a responsive, efficient, and creative park and recreation system;  Pursue excellence in a variety of programs, parks and special facilities that contribute to the attractiveness of neighborhoods, conservation of the environment and overall health of the community. Vision: Together, as a park district working for and with our community, we can create a more positive future for everyone by choosing clean energy, using resources efficiently, and preparing for climate risks. We are compelled to act because carbon pollution is warming our planet. It is impacting communities across America and the world through increasing droughts, floods, wildfires, extreme weather and more. Human activity contributes to these threats, and humans can solve this challenge. All citizens have the right to a healthy and viable environment. We have a moral obligation to take action today on climate change and build a sustainable future for children in our community and worldwide. Values: Together, we can create solutions rooted in shared values that effectively address climate risks. The CARES plan is essential to demonstrating these values each day and long into the future:  We value human health, wellness, and individual quality of life.  We value parks and natural areas, as they provide benefits that support health and wellness.  We value biodiversity--having a wide variety of living organisms and natural habitats.  We value equitable improvement of neighborhoods, urban nature and the environment.  We value resiliency and flexibility to change along with the times.  We value community-wide education, engagement and equitable opportunities for individuals and groups.  We value individuals, partnerships, and the ability to achieve more by working together.  We value taking action and providing opportunities for others to take action.  We value creativity, efficiency and fiscal responsibility.  We value being a community leader by modeling best practices of environmentally-responsible behaviors.  We value a healthy economic and environmental present and future of Urbana and all of its diverse citizens. 20 Commitment: Together, we will lead by example on a path to a positive future and share our plans, goals and progress across our organization and community. We will make commitments to:  Engage - We will build awareness and support for climate solutions by inspiring and empowering our organizations and communities with actionable information, powerful engagement tools and best practice resources.  Impact - We will maximize energy efficiency, use more clean, renewable energy, eliminate polluting fossil fuels and take other actions that help restore a healthy atmosphere.  Advocate - We will build awareness and support for climate solutions by advocating within our organizations, communities, and government to make commitments and set goals bolstered by actionable information, powerful engagement tools and best practice resources. 21  Glossary of Key Terms & Acronyms Biodiversity - The variety and variability of life on Earth. Biodiversity is typically a measure of variation at the genetic, species, and ecosystem level. Biodiversity boosts ecosystem productivity where each species, no matter how small, all have an important role to play. Carbon Dioxide - The primary greenhouse gas and driver of climate change. It is an integral part of life cycles on earth, produced through animal respiration (including human respiration) and absorbed by plants to fuel their growth, to name just two ways. Human activities are drastically altering the carbon cycle in many ways. Two of the most impactful are: one, by burning fossil fuels and adding more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere; and two, by affecting the ability of natural sinks (like forests) to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. CARES - Climate Action, Resilience, Education & Sustainability Climate Action - Stepped-up efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-induced impacts, including: climate-related hazards in all countries; integrating climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning; and improving education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity with respect to climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning. Climate Change - Global or regional changes in average temperature and rainfall--particularly apparent from the 1950s onwards-- because of increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere from the burning of fossil fuels like oil and coal. Other human activities, like agriculture and deforestation, also contribute to the excess of greenhouse gases that cause climate change. Decarbonizing - The reduction of carbon. Precisely meant is the conversion to an economic system that sustainably reduces and compensates the emissions of carbon dioxide (CO₂). The long-term goal is to create a CO₂-free global economy. Emissions – Refers to greenhouse gases released into the air that are produced by numerous activities, including burning fossil fuels, industrial agriculture, and melting permafrost, to name a few. These gases cause heat to be trapped in the atmosphere, slowly increasing the Earth’s temperature over time. Fossil Fuels - Sources of non-renewable energy, formed from the remains of living organisms that were buried millions of years ago. Burning fossil fuels like coal and oil to produce energy is where the majority of greenhouse gases originate. As the world has developed and demand for energy has grown, we’ve burned more fossil fuels, causing more greenhouse gases to be trapped in the atmosphere and air temperatures to rise. 22 Global Warming vs. Climate - Many people use these two terms interchangeably, but we think it’s important to acknowledge their differences. Global warming is an increase in the Earth’s average surface temperature from human-made greenhouse gas emissions. On the other hand, climate change refers to the long-term changes in the Earth’s climate, or a region on Earth, and includes more than just the average surface temperature. For example, variations in the amount of snow, sea levels, and sea ice can all be consequences of climate change. Greenhouse Gas - A chemical compound found in the Earth’s atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide, methane, water vapor, and other human-made gases. These gases allow much of the solar radiation to enter the atmosphere, where the energy strikes the Earth and warms the surface. Some of this energy is reflected back towards space as infrared radiation. A portion of this outgoing radiation bounces off the greenhouse gases, trapping the radiation in the atmosphere in the form of heat. The more greenhouse gas molecules there are in the atmosphere, the more heat is trapped, and the warmer it will become. Methane – A chemical compound that’s the main component of natural gas, a common fossil fuel source. Just like carbon dioxide, methane is a greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere. Methane accounts for about 10 percent of all US greenhouse gas emissions (using 2013 figures), second only to carbon dioxide. Many people don’t understand the negative effects of methane as an alternative to other fossil fuels. While methane doesn’t stay in the atmosphere as long as carbon dioxide, it absorbs 84 times more heat, making it very harmful to the climate. Mitigation - refers to an action that will reduce or prevent greenhouse gas emissions, such as planting trees in order to absorb more CO2. It can also include developing and deploying new technologies, using renewable energies like wind and solar, or making o lder equipment more energy efficient. Stay tuned for more climate science coming up in future blog posts. In the meantime, sign up for our email activist list and we’ll keep you up to date on what’s happening and how you can get involved in the movement for climate solutions. Renewable Energy - Energy that comes from naturally replenished resources, such as sunlight, wind, waves, and geothermal heat. By the end of 2014, renewables were estimated to make up almost 28% of the world’s power generating capacity, enough to supply almost 23% of global electricity. Because renewables don’t produce the greenhouse gases driving climate change, shifting away from fossil fuels to renewables to power our lives will put us on the path to a safe, sustainable planet for future generations. Resilience - The ability to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to hazardous events, trends, or disturbances related to climate. Improving climate resilience involves assessing how climate change will create or alter climate-related risks, and taking steps to better cope with these risks. Sustainability - Meeting our own needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. In addition to natural resources, we also need social and economic resources. 23 Weather vs. Climate - It’s all about timing when it comes to differentiating weather and climate. Weather refers to atmospheric conditions in the short term, including changes in temperature, humidity, precipitation, cloudiness, brightness, wind, and visibility. While the weather is always changing, especially over the short term, climate is the average of weather patterns over a longer period of time (usually 30 or more years). So the next time you hear someone question climate change by saying, “You know it’s freezing outside, right?”, you can gladly explain the difference between weather and climate. Climate Change Concepts Greenhouse Gas Effect Human influences have led to rampant release of carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases over the past century. The Earth’s climate depends on the functioning of a ‘natural greenhouse effect’. This effect is a result of heat-trapping gases in the atmosphere, also known as greenhouse gases, like water vapor, carbon dioxide, ozone, methane and nitrous oxide. These gases absorb heat bouncing off of the Earth’s surface and then redirect much of that energy back towards the Earth’s surface. Without this natural greenhouse effect, the average surface temperature of the Earth would be 60F colder. However, human activities, primarily the excessive burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) have been releasing additional heat-trapping gases, intensifying the natural greenhouse effect and changing the Earth’s climate. Image caption: The “greenhouse gas effect” can be more accurately compared to the discomfort of a “heat-trapping blanket”. Source: Climate Interpreter 24 Global Warming Potential of Heat-Trapping Gases Depending on how well a gas absorbs energy and how long it stays in the atmosphere, certain greenhouse gases are more effective at warming the Earth than others. The Global Warming Potential (GWP) for a gas is a measure of the total energy that a gas absorbs over a particular period of time (usually 100 years) compared to carbon dioxide. For example, methane is 21 times more powerful than carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide is 300 times more powerful than carbon dioxide. Other Human Influences In addition to global-scale climate effects of heat-trapping gases, human activities also produce regional and local effects. Some of these activities partially offset the warming caused by greenhouse gases while others increase warming. Activities that offset warming include land surface changes such as planting trees, the replacement of native habitats, and... Carbon Sinks / Carbon Sequestration This section still under development Local and National Impacts Climate change is a global concern with local impacts. Intro that links to UPD relevance. Why do we need a climate plan? Impacts in the Midwest  During the summer, public health and the quality of life, especially in cities, are likely to be negatively affected by increasing heat waves, reduced air quality, and an increase in insect and waterborne diseases. In winter, warming will have mixed impacts.  A significant reduction in Great Lakes water levels projected under a higher emissions scenario may lead to impacts on shipping infrastructure, beaches and ecosystems.  A likely increase in precipitation in the winter and spring months, heavier downpours and greater evaporation in summer may lead to more frequent periods of both droughts and floods, as well as water deficits.  A longer growing season will create the potential for increased crop yields. However, increases in heat waves, floods, droughts, insects and weeds will present major challenges to the management of crops, livestock, and forests.  Native species will face increasing threats from rapidly changing climate conditions, pests, diseases, loss of habitat and invasive species moving from warmer regions.  Vector-borne illnesses Source: Projected increase in annual average temperatures by mid-century (2041-2070) as compared to the 1971-2000 period (Figure 1) tell only part of the climate change story. Maps also show annual projected increases in the number of days over 95°F (Figure 2) and an increase in cooling degree days, defined as the number of degrees that a day’s average temperature is above 65°F (Figure 3), which 25 generally leads to an increase in energy use for air conditioning. Projections are from global climate models that assume emissions of heat-trapping gases continue to rise. (Figure source: NOAA NCDC / CICS-NC). Global and National Impacts  Impacts are vast, vary by location, and some people are more impacted than others  U.S. average temperature has risen by more than 2F over the past 50 years and is projected to rise more in the future.  Precipitation has increased by an average of 5% over the past 50 years. Projections indicate that northern areas will become wetter, and southern areas, and particularly the west will become drier. The amount of rain falling in the heaviest downpours has increased approximately 20% on average in the past century and this trend is very likely to continue.  Many types of extreme weather events, such as heat waves and regional droughts have become more frequent and intense during the past 40 to 50 years.  The destructive energy of Atlantic hurricanes has increased in recent decades, and is likely to increase in this century. In the eastern Pacific, the strongest hurricanes have become stronger since the 1980s, even while the total number of storms has decreased.  Sea level has risen along most of the U.S. coast over the last 50 years, and will rise more in the future.  Cold-season storm tracks are shifting northward and the strongest storms are likely to become stronger and more frequent.  Arctic sea ice is declining rapidly and this is very likely to continue. 26  Solidarity Gardens A collaborative project of Cunningham Township Supervisor's Office, Sola Gratia Farm, Channing Murray Foundation, Urbana Park District, the Urbana Free Library, and other partners Solidarity Gardens is a project to produce We support volunteer gardeners to grow more fresh, local food for those who need and donate produce that we get out to the and want it in our community. community through free markets, deliveries, and our partners. How to donate How to volunteer We have coolers set up to accept produce donations from home gardens at these We maintain community garden plots at locations (May-Nov): Meadowbrook Park, Victory Park, and Douglass Park. Volunteers help us plant, Sola Gratia Farm, 2200 Philo Road water, weed, harvest, and transport Channing Murray Foundation, 1209 W produce. We could use your help! Oregon Street Visit Thank you for helping feed your solidarity-gardens-cu.org/volunteer community! for more information! Need fresh food? Our produce is available free of charge at: Free Friday Market at Cornerstone Fellowship, 1101 East Colorado Ave, Friday 1-3pm (June-Oct) Mobile Market (visit carle.org/services/carle-mobile-health-clinic for info) Through Channing Murray Bucket Brigade and Canasta Básica solidarity-gardens-cu.org Contact: info@solidarity-gardens-cu.org