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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.

Attend a Virtual Tree Walk on January 31!

Apply for the Openlands TreePlanters Grants

Openlands TreePlanters Grants provide new trees to communities in Chicago and the near south suburbs. On planting day, the Openlands Forestry Crew and certified TreeKeepers will provide tools, trees, mulch and training for volunteers.

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

The Vacant Lot Phenomenon: How Vacant Lots Affect A Community’s People, Places, and Ecosystems

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Vacant lots in Chicago tend to have a negative association with neighborhood blight and devaluation. However, as a child, Openlands’ Education and Community Outreach Coordinator Lillian Holden experienced a nearby lot as her gateway to imagination and the outdoors. Lillian explains the racist history that led to the overabundance of lots in Chicago and how discriminatory practices affect youths’ relationship to nature.

Why Openlands Has Joined A Lawsuit Against The City of Joliet

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Openlands has joined a legal fight, alongside people who live and farm in this special place, because as an organization, we believe that, to be competitive on a global scale, the protection of nature and jobs creation can and must coexist, and that it is imperative that we work together with all the partners for a more equitable, resilient, healthy land-use solution.

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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