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.

Attend a Virtual Tree Walk on March 20!

Receive a Free Tree with the Waukegan Greenscape Project

A new grant allows 100 qualifying Waukegan homes to have a beautiful tree planted in their front yard for free. These trees have a retail value of $530, add beauty and value to your property, and bring shade and clear air to your yard. Learn more about how to get your free tree.

Apply

Grow Native Species with the ComEd Green Region Grant

This year, the ComEd Green Region Grant will prioritize projects with a climate resiliency and pollinator conservation focus. Learn more about how your regional governmental agency can receive up to $10,000 to improve natural places in your community.

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

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.

Alan Bell Appointed Chair of Conservation and Policy Council of the Cook County Forest Preserves

by OpenlandsDecember 10, 2020December 11, 2020

Openlands and the Forest Preserves of Cook County are connected by a long and deep history, spanning back to Openlands’ founding. The relationship continues today as Openlands Board Member Alan Bell becomes Chair of the Conservation and Policy Council.