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.
Events & Volunteering
Join Openlands and the Chicago Housing Authority as we return to Wentworth …
Join Openlands staff and the Forest Preserves of Cook County for a …
Join Openlands and the Village of Summit Park District as we plant …
Join Openlands, Neighborscapes, and the Harvey Park District in planting native trees …
TreeKeepers with excellent pruning skills are requested to help with pruning demos …
Join the 1st Ward/Humboldt/Avondale/Logan Square TKs in pruning Mozart Park. Bring your …
Join the Openlands community in cheering on Team Openlands at the 2026 …
Join TreeKeepers in pruning street trees in Lincoln Square. Please bring your …
Help keep our trees healthy while they wait to be planted this …
Join Openlands and the Chicago Public Schools as we plant trees on …
Get an early morning workout and take a peek behind the scenes! …
Join Openlands and members of the Blue Island Forestry Board in planting …
Join TreeKeepers in pruning street trees along Ravenswood Manor Park. Please bring …
Go Green Mount Prospect, a local environmental nonprofit focused on increasing sustainability …
Join BMP TreeKeeper Lynn to learn how to inventory trees using TreePlotter! …
The new class of TreeKeepers are learning how to plant trees! We …
Join TreeKeepers in pruning street trees in Lincoln Square. Please bring your …
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.
