Openlands

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Climate change is here. Nature-based solutions can help.

Openlands focuses on solutions to the climate crisis that use nature to mitigate or even turn back the clock on the changes and impacts expected for our region.
Openlands connects people to nature where they live

Openlands protects the natural and open spaces of northeastern Illinois and the surrounding region to ensure cleaner air and water, protect natural habitats and wildlife, and help balance and enrich our lives.
Protecting land and water in northeastern Illinois

From establishing city parks to stewarding large-scale landscapes in McHenry, Will, and Boone counties, Openlands values the land and we work with partners across northeastern Illinois to protect open space permanently.
Take Action to Protect Nature

Use your voice to support of the open spaces and natural resources of the Chicago metropolitan region. Engage with your local and national representatives for stronger environmental protections.
Caring for Our Tree Canopy

Openlands has planted more than 6,500 trees across the Chicago region since 2013 with support from a vast network of volunteers and community members. We are active stewards of our urban forest through our education, advocacy, and tree planting programs.

Shop the Native Tree & Plant Sale

Connect Children to Nature at Upcoming Garden Workshops

Learn how to inspire a love for nature and environmental responsibility in children at our upcoming Nature 101 and Connecting to Nature through Habitats at Home and School workshops in April and May.

Plant Free Trees in Your Neighborhood with a TreePlanters Grant

Openlands TreePlanters Grants provide new trees to communities in the City of Chicago and the near south suburbs. Applications can be submitted on behalf of community groups, volunteer organizations, local businesses, and neighborhood associations. Apply for a grant, collaborate with your neighbors, and get 10-40 new trees planted in your community.

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Protect Imperiled Species Under the Endangered Species Act

Even though Monarch butterflies are critically endangered, the Federal government decided not to add them to the Endangered Species act because of funding. Tell your Federal elected officials that Monarch butterflies must be listed as an imperiled species under the ESA.

Take Action

Discover New Places with Openlands Get Outside Map

Discover places and ways to enjoy nature in the region with the Get Outside Map! Use the interactive map and list to search over 400 parks, preserves, and natural areas open to the public. Each site includes a list of benefits and activities, a link for directions through Google Maps, and links to event calendars and other information.

Explore

Recent News

How To Choose The Right Plants For Your Landscape At the Openlands Native Tree and Plant Sale

by OpenlandsMarch 22, 2021March 23, 2021

The annual Openlands Native Tree and Plant Sale is back this year in a year-long online format! Openlands has put together this beginner’s guide to help you start to figure out which plants are best suited for your unique landscape, budget, needs, and aesthetic desires.

Celebrating 25 Years of Restoration, Advocacy, and Community Conservation at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie

by OpenlandsFebruary 17, 2021February 17, 2021

This month marks the 25th anniversary of one of our region’s most exciting conservation achievements: the establishment of Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie.

The Monarch Will Not Be Protected as a Threatened Species Under the Endangered Species Act

by OpenlandsJanuary 19, 2021January 19, 2021

After six long years of consideration, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) announced in December that it would not protect the Monarch under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), despite evidence that the North American butterfly has suffered dramatic population decreases over the last half-century.