We are a force for nature: a year of conservation wins that give us hope
Renowned conservation biologist and poet Dr. Drew L. Lanham captured the essence of Openlands during his keynote address at the 2024 Openlands Annual Luncheon. Reflecting on the gathering, he remarked, “I walk into the room and it was as if I walked into the midst of a fabulous human murmuration…all gathered together as birds in a flocking murmuration would do for some unified purpose even though each bird makes its own move.”
A murmuration is one of nature’s wonders, a display of collective beauty and strength. Nature has the power to connect, heal, and inspire. But this relationship is reciprocal. As we face growing environmental challenges, the urgency to act has never been greater. Action nurtures hope.
This past year, our community achieved remarkable conservation wins with long-lasting impacts, proving that local action shapes the future of our region and inspires models for conservation nationwide. For over 60 years, Openlands has exemplified the power of collective effort. Together, person by person and year by year, we are a force for nature. Hope starts here, at home, with us.
Below, we share ten ways nature triumphed this year, thanks to your support. These conservation successes are a call to continue the critical work of conserving nature for life:
We are a force for land, water, and wildlife
Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge gains 985 acres
Openlands, Illinois Audobon, and The Conservation Fund acquired Tamarack Farms in Richmond, Illinois for the Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge, creating the third-largest conservation area in the greater Chicago metro region. This collaborative effort protects endangered species, restores wildlife corridors, and connects existing conservation areas into a continuous 5,600-acre landscape. This milestone ensures resilience against climate change and enhances public recreation opportunities.
Grassland birds are getting their habitat back at Midewin
The restoration of the Grant Creek Watershed at Midewin began this year with funding from the America the Beautiful Challenge grant, awarded to Openlands and The Wetlands Initiative. This multi-year project restores ecosystems for vulnerable species like grassland birds. As the only America the Beautiful Challenge grant project in Illinois, this effort highlights the state’s leadership in conservation. Decades of advocacy by Openlands and 23 partners culminated in the creation of Midewin, the nation’s first national tallgrass prairie; this project launches the next chapter for this special landscape.
$3 Million Negaunee Opportunity Fund powers strategic land protection
Established by The Negaunee Foundation, this innovative fund highlights the foundation’s leadership in conservation philanthropy, offering revolving capital for Openlands to scale land protection efforts throughout the region. A key focus of the fund includes expanding Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge. This impactful gift will create a lasting legacy of safeguarding the region’s natural landscapes.
We are a force for policies
Voters secure $669 million for nature in four counties
Residents in DuPage, Kane, Lake, and McHenry Counties overwhelmingly supported ballot measures funding clean air, water, and wildlife. Championed by the Vote Yes coalition—including Openlands—these measures will improve natural resources and expand open spaces, benefiting future generations.
$1 million funds Lake County greenway master land-use plan
Openlands, in partnership with the Green Corridor Coalition—an alliance of community groups, civic organizations, and environmental advocates—has spearheaded efforts to transform the defunct Route 53 extension into a 12-mile-long state park. This investment from the state of Illinois is a major step toward creating a public space to expand recreation opportunities, improve local ecosystems, and boost the regional economy. Lake County’s new greenway will enhance access to nature and protect biodiversity in one of Illinois’s most ecologically significant areas.
Native landscaping wins at state and city levels
The new Homeowners’ Native Landscaping Act ensures that HOAs across Illinois can no longer ban native gardens, empowering residents to combat climate change and the biodiversity crisis in their yards. Championed by Illinois State Representative Laura Faver Dias and State Senator Karina Villa, with technical guidance from Openlands, the bill passed both the House and Senate without opposition. In Chicago, the city established the Native and Pollinator Garden Registry Advisory Board to enhance urban green spaces and support wildlife. Openlands’ Jessica Fong was appointed as a technical expert and the president of the Board.
We are a force for people
African American Heritage Water Trail earns Chicago Innovation Awards’ Collaboration Award
Years of dedicated collaboration and place-making by Openlands and partners have culminated in this exemplary project for education, recreation, and celebration of Chicago’s Black history. This trail highlights the rich natural and cultural legacy along the Little Calumet River, connecting significant sites of the Underground Railroad with modern-day stories of resilience, resistance, and activism.
10,000 trees planted & 2,000 TreeKeepers certified
This year, community forestry achieved significant milestones with 10,000 trees planted and 2,000 TreeKeepers certified. The TreeKeepers course, now available in both English and Spanish, has expanded its accessibility, empowering more communities to actively care for our shared urban forest. Through initiatives like TreeKeepers, the TreePlanters Grant, and the Arborist Registered Apprenticeship, residents are transforming neighborhoods while tackling climate change, reducing urban heat islands, managing stormwater, and improving air quality—one tree at a time.
New U.S. EPA grant empowers more teachers as environmental champions
Teachers play a vital role in shaping the next generation’s connection to nature, and Openlands is committed to empowering them through programs like Birds in My Neighborhood. With the support of our first-ever EPA Environmental Education grant, we are expanding teacher training to include comprehensive bird science, covering habitats, migration, and ecology. This funding enables educators to lead hands-on, dynamic lessons that inspire curiosity and foster a deeper love for the natural world in their students.
First Arborist Apprentice completes the three-year program
The Arborist Registered Apprenticeship program stems from a strong collaboration between Openlands and leading tree care companies. With 17 apprentices currently enrolled and growing, this program is addressing the urgent need for skilled professionals in tree care while strengthening the green jobs pipeline.
Looking ahead: together, we are the murmuration
Dr. Lanham highlighted two core principles of Openlands: the transformative power of collective action and the profound impact of individual contributions. Let’s continue this momentum into 2025, leaning into opportunities to make a difference in our neighborhoods and across the region. From urban forests, to classrooms, to open landscapes, there’s a place for everyone to act locally to conserve nature for life.
Explore 60 ways to be an advocate for nature on our blog and support Openlands with a donation today.
If hope is a thing with feathers, we are the murmuration. Together, we are a force for nature.
