Land Preservation

Our name has changed, but our work continues…

To better communicate the full range of work we do, CorLands is now known as Openlands Land Preservation, and we're providing the same high-quality services we've delivered for over thirty years:

Recognizing that public agencies often could not work fast enough to protect open space and natural areas, Openlands created a non-profit land-acquisition affiliate in 1978 to help communities in northeastern Illinois and the surrounding region increase the quantity and quality of open space for public enjoyment.

Since then Openlands Land Preservation has employed a variety of conservation tools to help local governments and private landowners alike save more than 15,000 acres of open space, valued at over $500 million.

Click on the links below to discover how Openland Land Preservation can help you.

Accomplishments

Wetland Restoration: Wetland Seed Production Facility

The Wetland Seed Production Facility follows the successful model set up for upland prairie seed production at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, and is adjacent to that site. As in a nursery, native wetland species are planted in single-species rows to facilitate their maintenance and harvesting. Initial plantings have been completed.

Accomplishments

Wetland Restoration: Rock Run Preserve-Black Road Access

The Black Road Access area is a part of the Forest Preserve District of Will County's (FPDWC) Rock Run Creek Preserve system. It did have a matrix of native plants in place, but it was being increasingly choked out and overrun by brush and other invasive species. Like Theodore Marsh, its location along Rock Run and its similarity in geologic character to sites along the Des Plaines River makes it a place that is important not only in its own right but as a potential seed source for restoration efforts at Lockport Prairie, Romeoville Prairie, and elsewhere.

Accomplishments

Wetland Restoration: Sag Valley Dolomite Prairie and Fen

Located near Cook County's only true canyon, Sagawau Canyon is the Sag Valley Dolomite Prairie and Fen. It's part of a large complex of natural areas, and is connected to the largest concentration of open space in Cook County, the Palos/Sag Valley Forest Preserves.

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