Reporting on the Urban Environment:
A Training Workshop for Journalists

July 10 - 12, 2025
Chicago

Applications due Friday, June 6 (midnight mountain time)

The Institute for Journalism & Natural Resources, in partnership with the Uproot Project, announces an expenses-paid workshop for journalists of color who are interested in learning more about covering the environment. 

From July 10-12, IJNR will bring up to 15 journalists to Chicago to explore issues like legacy pollution, urban waterways and public health. Lodging, food and other costs will be covered by IJNR.

Participating journalists will meet with community leaders, scientists, urban planners, and city officials as they travel around the city and learn about efforts to chart a more sustainable - and just - future for Chicago’s 2.7 million residents and how those efforts translate to urban areas around the country. Participants will also hear from educators and editors about how to get started in the environment beat, best practices for covering communities of color and more. 

Priority will be given to early career journalists, but veteran journalists who have recently switched to the environment beat are also encouraged to apply. Journalists interested in applying must be members of Uproot. Uproot membership is free of charge. More information can be found here: https://uprootproject.org/

Topics to be covered include:

  • Legacy pollution and public health outcomes in “fenceline” communities

  • Chicago’s proposed “cumulative impacts” ordinance and its potential public health benefits 

  • A “toxic tour” of Chicago’s southside

  • Ecological restoration efforts on the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal 

  • Community-led efforts to reconnect to green spaces and city parks

  • Trainings on reporting on the environment beat and covering communities of color

Application period now open; closes Friday, June 6.

Applicants must submit a resume, one or more clips and brief statement of interest via Submittable.

We will select up to 15 applicants; participation is open to members of The Uproot Project.

IJNR covers all program expenses (food, lodging, local travel) during workshops.

Questions? Reach us at: contact@ijnr.org