Openlands is reasserting pressure on the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) to protect the growing numbers of residents and visitors who recreate in and along the region’s waterways by disinfecting billions of gallons of effluent dumped into area rivers every day.

Read more: Openlands Pushes MWRD Again to Clean Up Chicago Area Waterways

 Almost every other metropolitan area in the United States disinfects the water put back into rivers to kill off bacteria that might otherwise threaten human health. At the conclusion of today's City Council hearing, the Health & Environmental Protection Committee proposed a resolution expressing support for cleaning up the Chicago River.

Read more: City Council Calls for Chicago River Cleanup

The report Unionid Mussel Survey of Selected Portions of the Kishwaukee River Watershed, released this month by Openlands, culminates a year-long survey of mussels in the Kishwaukee, one of the three highest-quality river systems in Illinois.

Read more: Openlands Publishes Mussel Study to Help Protect Kishwaukee River

Fall’s gold and crimson foliage is now joined by the blues, greens, and umbers of a larger-than-life mural, Arc of Nature, the centerpiece of a new public art initiative at the Openlands Lakeshore Preserve.

Read more: Fall Colors Just Part of the Dazzling Array at Openlands Lakeshore Preserve

Residents, grassroots organizers, and community leaders in the city’s Englewood neighborhood joined Stay Environmentally Focus’d and Openlands to celebrate the grand opening of the Heritage Station Community Garden, at 549 W. 63rd St.

Read more: Historic Englewood Rail Station Celebrated with New Garden & Mural

In the spirit of Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet, local canoeists and kayakers are invited to continue the rich tradition of waterways exploration in our region by participating in Paddle-A-Trail. This popular annual event, which runs through Labor Day, helps compile up-to-date information about area waterways and encourages residents to use paddling trails for fitness, relaxation, and discovery.

Read more: Canoeists & Kayakers Sought to Paddle-A-Trail

Openlands, a leader in ecosystem restoration, has completed phase three of a five-year $4.5 million improvement project at the nearly 2,000-acre Deer Grove Forest Preserve, in Palatine.

Read more: Trails, Scenic Vistas Reopen at Popular Palatine Preserve

Read more: Englewood Unveils Plans to Develop Green Business Corridor

Read more: New Report Tackles Projected Water Shortages, Quality Issues in Illinois

Read more: New Preserve Opens Additional Lake Michigan Shoreline & Rare Ravine Habitat to the Public