In every community, there are people who go above and beyond to protect and care for nature. This Earth Month we are highlighting the voices of 10 dedicated environmental advocates who have truly gone All In for Nature and have taken meaningful action in their communities.
From passionate community leaders planting trees, to dedicated educators inspiring the next generation of nature advocates, to corporate partners committed to environmental stewardship, these champions don’t just believe in conservation, they live it. Their efforts make Openlands’ mission possible.
We hope that through the voices of these 10 Champions, you feel inspired and take action to support conservation in a time where it is needed the most. Together, we can make a lasting impact across our region.
1. Adolfo Castrejón, Treekeeper #2085
West Lawn Conservation Club
Adolfo Castrejón is a force for nature in his community. As Treekeeper #2085, he is deeply involved with community tree initiatives and seeks out TreePlanters Grant to support planting new trees in areas where they are needed the most across Chicago. He also volunteers in local schools through the Birds in My Neighborhood program and is always looking for new ways to expand his knowledge and impact on nature.
“I’m All In for Nature because it’s never too late to start caring about the natural environment! It starts with you and your family familiarizing yourself with all the wonderful different creatures living in your own backyard, local park, or nature preserve! Next, you can begin to create beautiful green spaces in your own community! Plant native!”
2. Adriana Castrillón
Birds in My Neighborhood
Adriana Castrillón has been a dedicated volunteer for Birds in My Neighborhood since 2023, working with students at Peck Elementary. As a proud member of BIPOC Birders, Adriana brings her passion for birds and community to every walk and every classroom. During her time at Friends of the Parks, she organized bird, and tree walks throughout parks on the city’s Southeast Side to help connect more people to the natural beauty in their neighborhoods.
“Whether advocating for green spaces with Friends of The Parks, volunteering with Birds in My Neighborhood, or supporting a class action lawsuit against RoundUp, my mission is to unite with others who share a common vision. We cannot do this alone. Building community creates power—political and beyond. I urge everyone to stay value-driven and push for what matters. It’s the community we create that fuels our strength and keeps us moving forward.”
3. Daniel Miravel, Treekeeper #1411
Co-owner, Emerald Tree Care LLC , secondary Employer from the Arborist Registered Apprenticeship Program
Daniel is a seasoned arborist and advocates healthy urban forests. As co-owner of Emerald Tree Care LLC and an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist, Daniel brings over 30 years of experience to his work and 15 of those focused on nursery work. Daniel’s commitment to education, sustainability, and science-based solutions reflects a career built on nurturing trees from their roots.
‘’Through servant leadership and collaborative action, we uplift arboriculture as a meaningful career path rooted in community, identity, and stewardship. The Openlands ARA program empowers a new generation to care for our urban forests—bridging education, equity, and environmental resilience for the sake of tomorrow’s children and their shared future.”
4. Brianna White
Co-owner, Emerald Tree Care LLC , secondary Employer from the Arborist Registered Apprenticeship Program
Brianna is a dedicated arborist with a deep understanding of what trees need to thrive. As co-owner of Emerald Tree Care LLC, an ISA Certified Arborist, and ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified, she brings over a decade of experience to the field. She specializes in diagnosing insects, diseases, and abiotic issues that impact tree and plant health. Her thoughtful and science-based approach reflects a strong commitment to preserving the beauty of our urban forests.
“Going All in for Nature means prioritizing green spaces, inspiring future generations to join the workforce needed to protect those green spaces, and championing the endless benefits those green spaces provide. It is not about leaving a legacy; it’s about building one. There is legacy in longevity, and we need to protect the longevity of nature.”
Together, Brianna and Daniel are a dynamic duo in the world of tree care, combining deep expertise with a shared passion for preserving and protecting urban forests. As life and business partners based in the Chicago suburbs, they bring a thoughtful approach to every project they take on.
5. Rose Crawford
Morningstar exemplifies what it means to be a corporate champion for Openlands through their meaningful commitment to environmental stewardship. Morningstar has collaborated with Openlands to support school garden programs, demonstrating a strong dedication to community and education. Their generous support through their Global Giving Drive, reflects their deep alignment with Openlands mission to connect people with nature where they live.
“Morningstar goes All In for Nature with its annual Global Volunteer Days, cleaning up beloved local Chicago parks and beaches together! In 2025, during its Global Volunteer Days, Morningstar will partner with Openlands to relocate raised garden beds for improved water access at Hearst Elementary School, aiding to improve usage of the garden beds.”
6. Lorraine Antieau, TreeKeeper #1630
Lorraine became a TreeKeeper in the summer of 2020. She is known as the “Tree Lady” in her community, organizing three TreePlanters Grants and playing a leading role in planting events through the Greater Independence Park Neighborhood Association. Lorraine is the cornerstone in the new Northwest Side TreeKeepers chapter, where she continues to inspire neighbors to plant and care for trees. Her leadership and community spirit help to grow a greener and more connected neighborhood.
‘’Every tree I plant is a thank-you to nature for my life. The proper responses to nature are awe, humility, and gratitude, for she holds the gifts of life in her hands. If we destroy nature, we destroy our future. When we care for nature, we care for ourselves and future generations.’’
7. Jaime Schultz
Chicago Public Schools, Teacher
Jaime is a passionate educator at Morton Elementary School, where she teaches primary diverse learners through creativity and care. Since 2022, she has partnered with Openlands to bring nature into her classroom and her students into nature. Jaime makes environmental learning a fun hands-on experience for her students and leads an after-school garden club which inspires students to grow their curiosity.
“I go All In for Nature because I’ve seen firsthand how hands-on learning transforms my students. Connecting children to nature creates a deep appreciation and curiosity for all living things. This work is now more important than ever—my purpose is to foster lifelong learners who immerse themselves in nature and spread the message that caring for our planet and each other is the highest form of love.”
8. Michael Chamberlain, TreeKeeper #1939
Michael Chamberlain became TreeKeeper #1939 after completing the Fall 2023 course and has already made a big impact in Woodlawn neighborhood. Since February 2024, he has led 11 street tree pruning events, and with collective support from other chapters he has helped prune and inventory 144 trees. Michael’s environmental stewardship has inspired his husband, Tim, to join the Spring 2025 TreeKeepers class.
“Coexistence between humans and nature was an inherent part of my upbringing. Consequently, my rhythm of presence was inextricably connected to the natural world. I learned the ecosystems in which we exist are both resilient and fragile and personally find it an honor to protect this balance whenever possible.”
9. Dyshaun Bolden, (Junior at Thornwood High School)
Beaubien Woods Youth Ambassador program
Dyshaun participated in the Beaubien Woods Youth Outdoor Ambassador program in 2022 and 2023, gaining hands-on experience in environmental stewardship. Through this summer employment program led by Friends of the Forest Preserves and Openlands, Dyshaun worked at Beaubien Woods while learning about the history and ecology of the African American Heritage Water Trail, which starts at Beaubien Woods. He also took part in activities like assisting and interpreting at paddling events.
‘’I learned a lot from the Beaubien Woods Youth Ambassador program from restoration to the toxic donut and how people have been suffering from pollution. Before this program, I really didn’t like nature and the bugs and grass. They made me itchy! But now, I really like it. I’ve been a part of this program for two years and my most memorable moment was when we went canoeing for the first time. This was my first time on the water, and I was a little shaky. But we learned about how to get on, how to help other people on, how to put on life jackets, and how to paddle. I would tell future kids in the program that you’re going to have a lot of fun, and you’ll really like the nature.’’
10. Nandika Gervais, TreeKeeper #1984
Nandika became TreeKeeper #1984 after completing the Spring 2024 course and quickly jumped into action within her community. She is part of the 1st Ward and the Humboldt/Avondale/Logan Square chapter and already shaping tree advocacy and inspiring other members of the community to join. Nandika became involved in the creation of a Bloomingdale Trail Tree Walk Guide, in celebration of the 10th anniversary of 606 in June.
“My goal is to reach out to people, like me, who live in densely populated cities and feel out of touch with nature. Whether by learning about our urban canopy, bird-watching, or maintaining community gardens, we can find inner joy and fulfillment by spending a little time with the natural world around us.’’
In every community, there are people who go above and beyond to protect and care for nature. This Earth Month we are highlighting the voices of 10 dedicated environmental advocates who have truly gone All In for Nature and have taken meaningful action in their communities.
From passionate community leaders planting trees, to dedicated educators inspiring the next generation of nature advocates, to corporate partners committed to environmental stewardship, these champions don’t just believe in conservation, they live it. Their efforts make Openland’s mission possible.
We hope that through the voices of these 10 Champions, you feel inspired and take action to support conservation in a time where it is needed the most. Together, we can make a lasting impact across our region.
1. Adolfo Castrejón, Treekeeper #2085
West Lawn Conservation Club
Adolfo Castrejón is a force for nature in his community. As Treekeeper #2085, he is deeply involved with community tree initiatives and seeks out TreePlanters Grant to support planting new trees in areas where they are needed the most across Chicago. He also volunteers in local schools through the Birds in My Neighborhood program and is always looking for new ways to expand his knowledge and impact on nature.
“I’m All In for Nature because it’s never too late to start caring about the natural environment! It starts with you and your family familiarizing yourself with all the wonderful different creatures living in your own backyard, local park, or nature preserve! Next, you can begin to create beautiful green spaces in your own community! Plant native!”
2. Adriana Castañón
Birds in My Neighborhood
Adriana Castañón has been a dedicated volunteer for Birds in My Neighborhood since 2023, working with students at Peck Elementary. As a proud member of BIPOC Birders, Adriana brings her passion for birds and community to every walk and every classroom. During her time at Friends of the Parks, she organized bird, and tree walks throughout parks on the city’s Southeast Side to help connect more people to the natural beauty in their neighborhoods.
“Whether advocating for green spaces with Friends of The Parks, volunteering with Birds in My Neighborhood, or supporting a class action lawsuit against RoundUp, my mission is to unite with others who share a common vision. We cannot do this alone. Building community creates power—political and beyond. I urge everyone to stay value-driven and push for what matters. It’s the community we create that fuels our strength and keeps us moving forward.”
3. Daniel Miravel, Treekeeper #1411
Secondary Employer of the Arborist Apprenticeship Program and Co-owner, Emerald Tree Care LLC
Daniel is a seasoned arborist and advocates healthy urban forests. As co-owner of Emerald Tree Care LLC and an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist, Daniel brings over 30 years of experience to his work and 15 of those focused on nursery work. Daniel’s commitment to education, sustainability, and science-based solutions reflects a career built on nurturing trees from their roots.
‘’Through servant leadership and collaborative action, we uplift arboriculture as a meaningful career path rooted in community, identity, and stewardship. The Openlands ARA program empowers a new generation to care for our urban forests—bridging education, equity, and environmental resilience for the sake of tomorrow’s children and their shared future.”
4. Brianna White
Secondary Employer from the Arborist Apprenticeship Program and Co-owner, Emerald Tree Care LLC
Brianna is a dedicated arborist with a deep understanding of what trees need to thrive. As co-owner of Emerald Tree Care LLC, an ISA Certified Arborist, and ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified, she brings over a decade of experience to the field. She specializes in diagnosing insects, diseases, and abiotic issues that impact tree and plant health. Her thoughtful and science-based approach reflects a strong commitment to preserving the beauty of our urban forests.
‘’Going ‘’All in for Nature’’ means prioritizing green spaces, inspiring future generations to join the workforce needed to protect those green spaces, and championing the endless benefits those green spaces provide. It is not about leaving a legacy, it’s about building one. There is legacy in longevity, and we need to protect the longevity of nature.’
Together, Brianna and Daniel are a dynamic duo in the world of tree care, combining deep expertise with a shared passion for preserving and protecting urban forests. As life and business partners based in the Chicago suburbs, they bring a thoughtful approach to every project they take on.
5. Rose Crawford
Morningstar
Morningstar exemplifies what it means to be a corporate champion for Openlands through their meaningful commitment to environmental stewardship. Morningstar has collaborated with Openlands to support school garden programs, demonstrating a strong dedication to community and education. Their generous support through their Global Giving Drive, reflects their deep alignment with Openlands mission to connect people with nature where they live.
“Morningstar goes All in For Nature with its annual Global Volunteer Days, cleaning up beloved local Chicago parks and beaches together! In 2025, during its Global Volunteer Days, Morningstar will partner with Openlands to relocate raised garden beds for improved water access at Hearst Elementary School, aiding to improve usage of the garden beds.”
6. Lorraine Antieau, TreeKeeper #1630
Lorraine became a TreeKeeper in the summer of 2020. She is known as the “Tree Lady” in her community, organizing three TreePlanters Grants and playing a leading role in planting events through the Greater Independence Park Neighborhood Association. Lorraine is the cornerstone in the new Northwest Side TreeKeepers chapter, where she continues to inspire neighbors to plant and care for trees. Her leadership and community spirit help to grow a greener and more connected neighborhood.
‘’Every tree I plant is a thank-you to nature for my life. The proper responses to nature are awe, humility, and gratitude, for she holds the gifts of life in her hands. If we destroy nature, we destroy our future. When we care for nature, we care for ourselves and future generations.’’
7. Jaime Shultz
Chicago Public Schools, Teacher
Jaime is a passionate educator at Morton Elementary School, where she teaches primary diverse learners through creativity and care. Since 2022, she has partnered with Openlands to bring nature into her classroom and her students into nature. Jaime makes environmental learning a fun hands-on experience for her students and leads an after-school garden club which inspires students to grow their curiosity.
“I go All In for Nature because I’ve seen firsthand how hands-on learning transforms my students. Connecting children to nature creates a deep appreciation and curiosity for all living things. This work is now more important than ever—my purpose is to foster lifelong learners who immerse themselves in nature and spread the message that caring for our planet and each other is the highest form of love.”
8. Michael Chamberlain, TreeKeeper #1939
Michael Chamberlain became TreeKeeper #1939 after completing the Fall 2023 course and has already made a big impact in Woodlawn neighborhood. Since February 2024, he has led 11 street tree pruning events, and with collective support from other chapters he has helped prune and inventory 144 trees. Michael’s environmental stewardship has inspired his husband, Tim, to join the Spring 2025 TreeKeepers class.
“Coexistence between humans and nature was an inherent part of my upbringing. Consequently, my rhythm of presence was inextricably connected to the natural world. I learned the ecosystems in which we exist are both resilient and fragile and personally find it an honor to protect this balance whenever possible.”
9. Dyshaun Bolden, (Junior at Thornwood High School)
Beaubien Woods Youth Ambassador program
Dyshaun participated in the Beaubien Woods Youth Outdoor Ambassador program in 2022 and 2023, gaining hands-on experience in environmental stewardship. Through this summer employment program led by Friends of the Forest Preserves and Openlands, Dyshaun worked at Beaubien Woods while learning about the history and ecology of the African American Heritage Water Trail, which starts at Beaubien Woods. He also took part in activities like assisting and interpreting at paddling events.
‘’I learned a lot from the Beaubien Woods Youth Ambassador program from restoration to the toxic donut and how people have been suffering from pollution. Before this program, I really didn’t like nature and the bugs and grass. They made me itchy! But now, I really like it. I’ve been a part of this program for two years and my most memorable moment was when we went canoeing for the first time. This was my first time on the water, and I was a little shaky. But we learned about how to get on, how to help other people on, how to put on life jackets, and how to paddle. I would tell future kids in the program that you’re going to have a lot of fun, and you’ll really like the nature.’’
10. Nandika Gervais, TreeKeeper #1984
Nandika became TreeKeeper #1984 after completing the Spring 2024 course and quickly jumped into action within her community. She is part of the 1st Ward and the Humboldt/Avondale/Logan Square chapter and already shaping tree advocacy and inspiring other members of the community to join. Nandika became involved in the creation of a Bloomingdale Trail Tree Walk Guide, in celebration of the 10th anniversary of 606 in June.
“My goal is to reach out to people, like me, who live in densely populated cities and feel out of touch with nature. Whether by learning about our urban canopy, bird-watching, or maintaining community gardens, we can find inner joy and fulfillment by spending a little time with the natural world around us.’’