Acres Protected
in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin
Acres Restored
to a healthy state for nature, wildlife, and people
Trees Planted
throughout the Chicago region
Volunteers
certified as TreeKeepers
Openlands is a leading regional conservation nonprofit serving the greater Chicago region. As a nationally accredited land trust, we protect natural lands, restore ecosystems, and advance conservation solutions that benefit people and nature.
FEATURED CONSERVATION PROJECT
The Chicago Lakefront: Protected, Yet Precarious
The Chicago lakefront is at a critical crossroads, with multi-billion-dollar developments being considered and federal environmental protections on the decline. A new report by Openlands breaks down the legal history, analyzes current safeguards, and offers a path forward through policy reforms.
Take Action for Nature
See you at the 2026 Openlands Annual Luncheon!
Join us on Oct. 21 for “From the Ground Up,” honoring Jean M. Franczyk and featuring Dr. Tessa Francis as keynote.
Openlands News & Stories
Director of Conservation Planning Sara Egan writes on fragmented municipal planning in Will County.
…
The U.S. Department of the Interior’s decision to remove habitat destruction from the definition of …
TreeKeeper Lorraine Antieau writes about the Openlands Arborist Registered Apprentices treating for Emerald Ash Borer.
…Explore Nature in the Region
Use our interactive maps to discover places and ways to enjoy nature in the region. Explore over 400 parks, preserves, and natural areas open to the public.
Committed to conserving nature for life.
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.