Issue Areas: Conservation Planning

CATEGORIES

Openlands Mentioned in Chicago Tribune Article about Opposition to Peotone Airport

Openlands’ Director of Policy Chris Kessler was quoted in an article from the Chicago Tribune …

Celebrating Stories of Black Excellence along the African American Heritage Water Trail

The Calumet region contains internationally significant history and stories of Black excellence from the past …

Panoramic city skyline with modern skyscrapers, river, blue sky, and green foliage.

Chicago Sun Times – Don’t let development at The 78 squash public access to the Chicago River

Like many great cities of the world, Chicago owes its rise and prosperity to the …

a group of people standing on a lush green field

Reconnecting People to Nature in the Calumet Region

Openlands has taken an active role in connecting communities of the Calumet Region with the …
Aerial view of city skyline, waterfront, parks, roads, and a circular-roofed building by the water.

With the New Museum Campus Vision, Chicago Could Become a True “City in a Garden”

No matter what happens at Soldier Field in the future, the Museum Campus has and …
a raptor soaring through the skies

Announcing the Winners of the Route 53 Fields of Vision Photo Contest

The Green Corridor Coalition is proud to announce the winners of the ‘Fields of Vision’ …
two women standing next to each other

Space to Grow Celebrates Opening of New Schoolyard with Community Partners and Elected Officials Including Mayor Lori Lightfoot

On Saturday, June 5, dignitaries including Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, Alderman Jason Irvin, Dr. Andrea …
a pair of adjacent buildings

The Vacant Lot Phenomenon: How Vacant Lots Affect A Community’s People, Places, and Ecosystems

Vacant lots in Chicago tend to have a negative association with neighborhood blight and devaluation. …
an aerial view of a basketball court and playground

With more record rainfall, we need Nature-Based Solutions

This past week saw a flurry of record rainfalls. What can we do in the …
a group of men standing next to each other in front of a mound of soil

Clean Energy Jobs Act: Why it’s important, what nature-based solutions can contribute, and how you can support it now

In Illinois, one of the biggest climate change initiatives has coalesced around state legislation called …
Highway in Lake County, Illinois with cars, Route 53 sign, speed limit 45, trees, and traffic lights.

Illinois Tollway Ends Work on Route 53, Tri-County Access Projects

The Illinois Tollway has announced that they will forgo completion of the proposed Tri-County Access …
a young girl holding a green sign that says space to grow

New Green Schoolyard Opens at Cook Academy

“We were in desperate need of a playground,” said Cook Academy Principal Dr. El Roy …
a monochrome map of a town

The Old Plank Road Trail

In 1992, Openlands purchased just over 20 miles of abandoned railroad lines for the development …
a paved road in the middle of a forest

Have You Discovered the Salt Creek Greenway Trail?

One of the region’s best known trails is the Salt Creek Greenway Trail, which spans …
a group of people paddling a red canoe

Openlands Launches New Online Paddling Guide

Covering over 500 miles of Water Trails across 10 of northeastern Illinois’ waterways, this new …
Industrial scene with workers at a canal lock, bridge, cityscape, smoke, buildings, and trees.

The Waterway That Made Chicago

National Heritage Areas tell stories about America’s past, while offering a place to enjoy nature …
a group of people standing on a lush green hillside

Raising Parks and Wetlands from Industrial Sites along Lake Calumet

On November 5, Openlands Greenways Director Ders Anderson joined local community leaders, and guided a …

Federal: Tell Congress to Restore Endangered Species Protections

Budget cuts to forest management threaten public lands, wildlife, and our climate The USDA Forest …

Federal: Revitalizing America’s Schoolyards Act

Green schoolyards give kids access to nature and help communities manage stormwater Too many schoolyards …

Federal: Parks to People Active Transportation Act (H.R. 7751)

Connect communities to nature through safe, accessible trails and transit H.R. 7751 would fund walking …

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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.

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