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Openlands

Conserving Nature for Life

  • 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.

Register

Openlands has temporarily closed the Lakeshore Preserve for the protection of all

On two occasions the week of April 5, 2021, explosive materials were found within the Openlands Lakeshore Preserve. Shortly thereafter, with help from the Highland Park Police Department, the Waukegan Bomb Squad removed the explosives. The military has taken the lead on determining if there are additional explosive materials on the property.

Learn More

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 Get Trees Planted In Your Chicago Neighborhood

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Planting trees is one of the simplest nature-based solutions to climate change and is an accessible way for individuals to make a positive impact on the environment. However, planting a tree is easier said than done. We want to help you become an active steward of Chicago’s urban forest, which is why we’ve created this guide to help you find trees in Chicago through one of the programs offered to residents.

Openlands’ Jerry Adelman Explains How A New Civilian Conservation Corps Will Benefit Illinois’ Infrastructure In The Chicago Tribune

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Openlands helped shape the Renew Conservation Corps legislation with Senator Dick Durbin, which would create green jobs for young people and result in revamped infrastructure, reforestation, and ecosystem restoration? A new Conservation Corps, included in President Biden’s infrastructure plan, would mimic President Roosevelt’s New Deal program, which employed 3 million men and left a legacy across the country in parks, preserves, and national parks.

Founded in 1963, 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.
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