Dear Friends,
Openlands was founded in 1963, at the dawn of the modern American environmental movement. In an era of division, nature was a unifying cause, bringing people together across political and social lines. More than six decades later, Openlands remains one of the nation’s oldest metropolitan conservation organizations—an organization that doesn’t just respond to the challenges of today but builds solutions that last for generations.
The challenges facing our region are complex and ever evolving. They require bold action, but also unwavering persistence. Openlands is uniquely positioned to meet these challenges because we are collaborative in uniting people across differences, courageous in fighting for what is right, and steadfast in seeing change through—no matter how long it takes. Many of our most transformative projects span decades, requiring deep community trust, steady leadership, and an enduring vision.
At Openlands, we believe that access to nature is a right, not a privilege. Nature for all is embedded in every aspect of our work, from the communities we serve to the policies we champion. For over 60 years, Openlands has led with conviction, expertise, and heart. We bring people together—landowners, policymakers, community members, and advocates—because real solutions are strongest when they are inclusive. We remain a constant force in a changing world, committed to protecting the land that sustains us, now and for the future.
Thank you for being part of Openlands’ enduring mission.
In partnership,
Alan M. Bell
Chair
Openlands Board of Directors
JoAnn Seagren
Immediate Past Chair
Openlands Board of Directors
