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60 Years of Commitment
Founded in 1963, Openlands protects the natural and open spaces of northeastern Illinois and the surrounding region to ensure cleaner air and water, protect natural habitats and wildlife, and help balance and enrich our lives.
Our People
Meet our expert staff and board. Our people are the driving force at Openlands; bringing their individual talents and expertise together to accomplish a shared mission to protect, preserve, and restore land, water, and wildlife in our area. We bring diverse perspectives and ideas to that mission, and we’re always seeking to expand and grow our connection to each other and our world.
The effectiveness and impact of our work is directly tied to the strength of our organization.
Our vision for the region is a landscape that includes a vast network of land and water trails, tree-lined streets, and intimate public gardens within easy reach of every city dweller.
Since our founding in 1963, Openlands has been at the forefront of the urban conservation movement.
Our Values
How we work is just as important as what we work on. Our new values capture the principles that guide how we honor one another, approach our work, and advance our mission together.
Integrity
We do what’s right, even when it’s difficult or when no one is watching. We hold ourselves to the highest standards of excellence, as individuals and as an organization. We show up with purpose, honesty, courage, and compassion.
Respect
We listen and act with care. We value the contributions of our coworkers, partners, and communities, recognizing that diverse perspectives make our work stronger and our impact greater.
Accountability
We get things done. We own our actions and learn from our mistakes. By creating transparency in our processes and decision-making, we foster collective trust and move forward together.
Strategic
We focus on the long term while making informed decisions today. We use data, expertise, and experience to tackle systemic challenges intentionally, leveraging all available resources to maximize our impact.