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  Explore the Region’s Trails, Waterways, and Outdoor Spaces.
  
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  With the Openlands Get Outside Map, discover places and ways to enjoy nature in the Chicago region.
  
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  An interactive guide to the Northeastern Illinois water trails system, which encompasses 10 waterways, ranging from creeks that flow through densely wooded forest preserves to the skyscrapers of downtown Chicago.
  
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  Utilizing trails is the easiest way to enjoy our region’s natural landscape. Find peace and solitude or share an experience with family and friends while you run, bike, or hike in natural serenity!
  
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  One of the simplest ways you can take action against Climate Change is by advocating for the protection of nature and wildlife. Learn more about current campaigns to support.
  
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  Learn more about our Education programs including, Birds in My Neighborhood, Space to Grow, and school garden support opportunities.
  
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  Learn more about conservation-friendly practices for farmland in our region.
  
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  Stewarding environmental responsibility and change in the region for 60 years.
  
  Our Experts
  
  As innovative protectors and stewards of the land, we work to create access to nature for all.
  
  Learn About Our Projects
  
  Our projects strive to give back to our region’s open spaces and create new ones so that we can continue to enjoy their solace and health benefits for generations to come.
  
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  Contact a conservation expert at Openlands
  
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  Shop the Openlands Native Plants Sale!
  
  Give nature and the land you love something big by planting something small. Openlands Native Tree and Plant Sale offer a gorgeous selection of native plants that, in addition to soaking up stormwater, cleaning the air, and beautifying our properties, provide the much-needed habitat that pollinators and other wildlife depend on.
  
  Learn More

Donate

Search

Get Outside
- Get Outside Mega Menu
  
  Explore the Region’s Trails, Waterways, and Outdoor Spaces.
  
  The Openlands Get Outside Map
  
  With the Openlands Get Outside Map, discover places and ways to enjoy nature in the Chicago region.
  
  Paddle Northeastern Illinois
  
  An interactive guide to the Northeastern Illinois water trails system, which encompasses 10 waterways, ranging from creeks that flow through densely wooded forest preserves to the skyscrapers of downtown Chicago.
  
  Explore Regional Trails
  
  Utilizing trails is the easiest way to enjoy our region’s natural landscape. Find peace and solitude or share an experience with family and friends while you run, bike, or hike in natural serenity!
  
  Paddling Newsletter Signup
Get Involved
- Get Involved Mega Menu
  
  There are many ways to help protect the nature you love with Openlands.
  
  Take Action Now
  
  One of the simplest ways you can take action against Climate Change is by advocating for the protection of nature and wildlife. Learn more about current campaigns to support.
  
  Education Programs
  
  Learn more about our Education programs including, Birds in My Neighborhood, Space to Grow, and school garden support opportunities.
  
  Training & Certification
  
  Join our ever-growing community of tree ambassadors that care for the Urban Forest in Chicagoland.
  
  Bring your property into harmony with nature
  
  View volunteer opportunities
  
  Become a charity runner for Team Openlands
  
  Sign up as an arborist employer
  
  Newsletter Signup
  
  Upcoming Events
Get Help
- Get Help Mega Menu
  
  Get the help, information, and resources you need to maintain and protect your land.
  
  Property Owner Landscape Practices
  
  Bring your property into harmony with the Earth through conservation-friendly practices.
  
  Protecting Public & Private Lands
  
  Learn more about how we help public and private landowners create a web of healthy land and water across the Chicago metropolitan region.
  
  Food and Farmland
  
  Learn more about conservation-friendly practices for farmland in our region.
  
  ComEd Green Region Grant
  
  TreePlanters Grants
  
  Urban Forestry
  
  Contact Us
Get Expertise
- Get Expertise Mega Menu
  
  Stewarding environmental responsibility and change in the region for 60 years.
  
  Our Experts
  
  As innovative protectors and stewards of the land, we work to create access to nature for all.
  
  Learn About Our Projects
  
  Our projects strive to give back to our region’s open spaces and create new ones so that we can continue to enjoy their solace and health benefits for generations to come.
  
  Get the Help You Need
  
  Questions for us? Contact our expert team.
  
  Newsletter Signup
Get Me To
- Get Me To Mega Menu
  
  Find a place to hike, paddle, and explore
  
  Take action on a current campaign
  
  Learn about ways to support Openlands
  
  Register to volunteer
  
  Register to be a certified TreeKeeper
  
  Register to be an Arborist Apprentice
  
  Get technical assistance with my property
  
  Contact a conservation expert at Openlands
  
  Apply for a TreePlanters Grant
  
  Apply for the ComEd Green Region Grant
  
  Newsletter Signup
  
  Shop the Openlands Native Plants Sale!
  
  Give nature and the land you love something big by planting something small. Openlands Native Tree and Plant Sale offer a gorgeous selection of native plants that, in addition to soaking up stormwater, cleaning the air, and beautifying our properties, provide the much-needed habitat that pollinators and other wildlife depend on.
  
  Learn More

Donate

Search

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Openlands News & Info

From our biggest announcements to staff quotes in local prints, check back often for the latest news on Openlands!

Chicago’s South Side Celebrates Five Schoolyards Transformed Into Green Spaces

November 19, 2025

Openlands in the News, Uncategorized

CBS News Chicago – South Side elementary school gets new green playground

November 19, 2025

Openlands in the News

Hire Frequency Podcast with George Wright- Trees (and a Career Path) Are a Good investment in Your Future

November 13, 2025

Openlands in the News

CBS News Chicago – South Side elementary schools unveil renovated playgrounds

November 11, 2025

Openlands in the News

ABC7 Chicago – New schoolyard dedicated at James Farmer Jr. Elementary

November 10, 2025

Openlands in the News

WBEZ Chicago – Chicago students celebrated the opening of green play spaces at schools on the South Side

November 10, 2025

Openlands in the News

Mas Context – Northerly Island: A Hundred Year History Still Unfolding

November 6, 2025

Openlands in the News

Fox 32 Chicago – Chicago’s ‘Space to Grow’ program celebrates 10 years with new schoolyard

November 6, 2025

Openlands in the News

Block Club Chicago – New Boardwalk, Accessible Boat Launch Debut At Beaubien Woods

November 6, 2025

Openlands in the News

The Cool Down – Innovative program completely transforms schoolyard playgrounds: ‘A harmonious place’

November 6, 2025

Openlands in the News

Chicago Tribune | Lake County News-Sun – Waukegan church plants trees in its neighborhood: ‘Trees offer us hope’

October 24, 2025

Press Release, Strategic Plan

Openlands Debuts Five-Year Strategic Plan at 2025 Annual Luncheon, Calling for Bold Action to Protect Land

October 21, 2025

Land Preservation, Openlands in the News

Journal & Topics – Forest Preserves, Openlands celebrate ecological recovery at Deer Grove East

October 9, 2025

Land Preservation, Openlands in the News

WTTW Urban Nature: Did O’Hare’s expansion actually help wetlands?

September 30, 2025

Land Preservation, Openlands in the News

Daily Herald – ‘Conservation takes action’: How volunteers restored 589 acres at Palatine Forest Preserve

September 25, 2025

Land Preservation, Openlands in the News

WBBM Newsradio – A sizeable section of Cook County is being celebrated for its green spaces

September 25, 2025

Land Preservation, Openlands in the News

WBEZ – Lisa Labuz highlights restoration efforts at Deer Grove Forest Preserve in Cook County

September 25, 2025

Land Preservation, Openlands in the News

Patch – ”Landmark restoration effort” concludes at Palatine’s Deer Grove Forest Preserve

September 25, 2025

Land Preservation, Press Release

Deer Grove Restoration landmark after nearly 20 years

September 24, 2025

Education, Openlands in the News

Canadian Health Association for Sustainability & Equity -Greening underserved schools while preventing floods in Chicago

September 22, 2025

Openlands in the News

Inside Climate News – A contaminated riverside lot in Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood is poised for cleanup by Peoples Gas

September 11, 2025

Land Preservation, Restoration

Chicago Wilderness Alliance – Conservation Alliance honors exceptional efforts across 4-state region

September 11, 2025

Land Preservation, Openlands in the News

Chicago Sun-Times – The O’Hare expansion turned into a bonanza for wild spaces in Illinois

August 25, 2025

Land Preservation, Openlands in the News

Outdoor News – O’Hare Airport expansion led to funding for two decades of wetland and habitat work in Illinois

August 21, 2025

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Claudia Latapí

Public Relations & Content Specialist

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