Volunteering

Volunteering with Openlands

For more than 35 years, Openlands has built a strong tradition of environmental volunteerism across the Chicago region. From tree planting through our TreePlanters Grant, to tree care including pruning, mulching, watering, and inventorying, to habitat restoration alongside community partners, our volunteer opportunities help care for the landscapes that sustain us all. While certified TreeKeepers have access to select volunteer opportunities, most events are open to everyone, making it easy to get involved and make a local impact.

Looking for something different? Explore additional ways to get involved through corporate volunteer opportunities, board and committee service, and other specialized opportunities across Openlands. 

Oct 17, 2026 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM TreeKeepers Only

The new class of TreeKeepers are learning how to plant trees! We …

Oct 17, 2026 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM TreeKeepers Only

Go Green Mount Prospect, a local environmental nonprofit focused on increasing sustainability …

Oct 17, 2026 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM TreeKeepers Only

Join BMP TreeKeeper Lynn to learn how to inventory trees using TreePlotter! …

Oct 20, 2026 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Join TreeKeepers in pruning street trees in Lincoln Square. Please bring your …

Oct 21, 2026 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM TreeKeepers Only

Join Hyde Park TKs in pruning street trees! Bring tools if you …

Oct 21, 2026 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM

Help keep our trees healthy while they wait to be planted this …

Oct 24, 2026 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Join Openlands and the Stone Garden Committee as we plant trees around …

Oct 28, 2026 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM

Help keep our trees healthy while they wait to be planted this …

Oct 31, 2026 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Join Openlands and members of The Greater Independence Park Neighborhood Association (GIPNA) …

Nov 3, 2026 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Joing Openlands Staff and TreeKeepers as we prune the trees at the …

Nov 4, 2026 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM TreeKeepers Only

Join Hyde Park TKs in pruning street trees! Bring tools if you …

Nov 4, 2026 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM

Help keep our trees healthy while they wait to be planted this …

Nov 7, 2026 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Join the 40th Ward TKs in pruning street trees! Bring your own …

Nov 11, 2026 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Join Openlands Staff and TreeKeepers  while we steward the trees at Chicago …

Nov 18, 2026 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM TreeKeepers Only

Join Hyde Park TKs in pruning street trees! Bring tools if you …

Nov 22, 2026 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM TreeKeepers Only

Join the 1st Ward/ Humboldt Park/Avondale/Logan Square Chapter to learn how to …

Nov 28, 2026 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Join TKs in pruning trees in the AIDS Memorial Garden. Please bring …

Dec 2, 2026 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM TreeKeepers Only

Join Hyde Park TKs in pruning street trees! Bring tools if you …

Connecting people to nature where they live.

As innovative protectors and stewards of the land since 1963, Openlands exists to create access to nature for all. Through local alliances, forward vision, and persistent action, Openlands connects and leads conservation work, serving as a guiding voice for communities, organizations, and more effective policy in northeastern Illinois and the surrounding region.

Scroll to Top
Jean Franczyk

See you at the 2026 Openlands Annual Luncheon!

Join us on Oct. 21 for “From the Ground Up,” honoring Jean M. Franczyk and featuring Dr. Tessa Francis as keynote.