Beyond Backdrop for "Transformers", Chicago a City of Trees

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New Trails on Tap for North Shore's Newest Nature Area

A new network of publicly accessible trails and overlooks, affording seldom-seen Lake Michigan vistas, are part of the exciting second phase of site-enhancement projects at the Openlands Lakeshore Preserve, which will begin this month.

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Arts Wide Open

Some people see only monotony in the flatness of our region. But for many creative types—painters, photographers, and poets alike—the far-as-your-eyes-can-see views have inspired unparalleled works of art.

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One Step Closer to a Cleaner Chicago River

Last week, with little fanfare and even less news coverage, the Illinois Pollution Control Board (IPCB) ruled that the Chicago and Calumet river systems should have better water quality standards to protect the people who recreate on them.

Read more: One Step Closer to a Cleaner Chicago River

Chicago Wilderness Releases "Climate Action Plan for Nature"

Although numerous studies show the worldwide impact of climate change, its effect on the biodiversity of specific regions is yet unknown. That's why this summer the Chicago Wilderness alliance, of which Openlands is a founding member, released the Climate Action Plan for Nature, the first to address issues of biodiversity conservation and climate change in the greater Chicago region.

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Historic Englewood Rail Station Celebrated with New Garden & Mural

Residents, grassroots organizers, and community leaders in the city’s Englewood neighborhood joined Stay Environmentally Focus’d and Openlands to celebrate the grand opening of the Heritage Station Community Garden, at 549 W. 63rd St.

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Canoeists & Kayakers Sought to Paddle-A-Trail

In the spirit of Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet, local canoeists and kayakers are invited to continue the rich tradition of waterways exploration in our region by participating in Paddle-A-Trail. This popular annual event, which runs through Labor Day, helps compile up-to-date information about area waterways and encourages residents to use paddling trails for fitness, relaxation, and discovery.

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Trails, Scenic Vistas Reopen at Popular Palatine Preserve

Openlands, a leader in ecosystem restoration, has completed phase three of a five-year $4.5 million improvement project at the nearly 2,000-acre Deer Grove Forest Preserve, in Palatine.

Read more: Trails, Scenic Vistas Reopen at Popular Palatine Preserve

Openlands Helps Grandmother Park Initiative Create Evanston Playground

Openlands and the citizen’s group Grandmother Park Initiative (GPI) have partnered to create a new playground in an area of Evanston, Illinois, underserved by parks.

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Openlands Lakeshore Preserve

Located just twenty-five miles north of Chicago, the Openlands Lakeshore Preserve presents a rare opportunity to visit one of the last remaining ravine and bluff ecosystems in the metropolitan region. Click here for directions to the top of Bartlett Ravine, the main entry to the preserve.

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Get "A Pocketful of Watercolors"

A Pocketful of Watercolors captures the artistic explorations of air, land, and water by Philip Enquist, a former Openlands board member and a great friend of our organization. Proceeds from the sale of this beautiful book will benefit Openlands' conservation work throughout northeastern Illinois and the surrounding region.

Read more: Get "A Pocketful of Watercolors"

New Name, Same Great Programs and Services

Read more: New Name, Same Great Programs and Services