Issue Areas: Restoration

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Jerry's garden

Daily Herald – A Boost for Bees and Turtles: Kane Forest Preserve to Benefit from $20K in Grants

The Kane County Forest Preserve District received a $10,000 ComEd Openlands Award for the development …

Openlands Lakeshore Preserve

Lake County Chronicle – Forest Preserves, Openlands Partner to Upgrade 77 Acres in Lake Forest

The Lake County Forest Preserves reported that its planning committee recently approved a resolution recommending …

Two orange butterflies with black markings on yellow flowers, blurred green background.

ComEd, Openlands Award 25 Illinois Communities with Environmental Grants Worth Up to $10,000 Each

11th annual ComEd Green Region Program allocates nearly $200,000 to support development of green spaces across …

Smooth Hydrangea

10 Native Trees and Shrubs for Landscaping in the Midwest

The land, water, soil, and wildlife that make up our ecosystem are all intricately connected. …

Openlands Tree Walk

Univision -Regarlo Una o Dos Veces por Semana y Retirar la Maleza: Recomendaciones para Cuidar tu Jardín Ante la Sequía

A pesar de las fuertes lluvias de los últimos días, Chicago se encuentra en nivel …

Openlands staff Laura Barghusen speaks at the Prairie Boat grand reveal

Daily Southtown Column – Beaubien Woods’ New ‘Prairie Boat’ Offers Place to Gather and Celebrate Calumet Region Heritage

About 100 residents, environmentalists, historians, artists and others dedicated the “Prairie Boat” installation Saturday at …

A dog walking on a beach next to the ocean

Daily Herald – Handing Over a Mile of Lakeshore: Openlands Group Giving Its Preserve by Fort Sheridan to County

The Lake County Forest Preserve District is set to become the new owner and caretaker …

Openlands staff in DC during the Land Trust Alliance Advocacy Days

Reflecting on Openlands’ Participation in May 2023 Advocacy Days

This past April, Openlands’ staff from multiple departments embarked on a mission to make our …

Sandy beach with two people walking along calm blue water under a partly cloudy sky.

WTTW: Conservationists Pinning Hopes for Oceans’ Health on the Great Lakes

This week, the Great Lakes was named a global “Hope Spot,” joining the Galapagos Islands, …

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 …
Sunset over grassy field, line of trees, orange and pink sky.

Celebrating National Wetlands Month

It’s National Wetlands Month, and in celebration of these important ecosystems, we are highlighting a …
a couple of people standing in the middle of a forest

Gaining Ground Through Volunteering at Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge

It started with a question, “Why can’t we have a National Wildlife Refuge here?” and …
A butterfly perched on a vibrant flower, showcasing nature's delicate beauty and the harmony between insects and plants.

10 Native Plants to Make Your Property More Climate Resilient

While we cannot undo the effects of climate change already taking place on an individual …
a group of people inaugurating a ribbon cutting ceremony

The 2022 ComEd Green Region Grant Is Now Available to Nonprofits, Educational Institutions, and More

In celebration of its tenth year, ComEd has expanded the applicant pool to include a …
a long wooden pier beside a body of water

Openlands and Partners Win $400,000 Walder Foundation Grant to Restore Beaubien Woods

Beaubien Woods’ proximity to the Little Calumet makes it the perfect place to bring nature …
People cycling on a narrow path through scenic grassy landscape with trees in daylight.

Celebrating 25 Years of Restoration, Advocacy, and Community Conservation at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie

This month marks the 25th anniversary of one of our region’s most exciting conservation achievements: …
a butterfly perched atop a pink bloom

The Monarch Will Not Be Protected as a Threatened Species Under the Endangered Species Act

After six long years of consideration, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) announced in …
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 marsh teeming with aquatic vegetation

Seven Wetlands to Visit in the Region to Celebrate American Wetlands Month

May is American Wetlands Month. Looking to experience some of our region’s wetlands, but don’t …
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 …
Lush green forest with tall trees and vibrant canopy, open, well-lit clearing visible.

Have You Discovered the Palos Forest Preserves?

Whether it’s hiking or biking, camping, kayaking, picnicing, or more, the Palos Forest Preserves have …
Flooded street with red car, person on trunk, cyclist, houses, and trees in background.

It’s raining a lot more — and that’s a problem

The increased frequency of weather systems that cause sporadic, torrential storms are symptomatic of climate …
a lake surrounded by tall grass and trees

Have You Discovered Rollins Savanna?

At over 1,200 acres, Rollins Savanna is one of Lake County’s largest forest preserves, teeming …
Waterfall flowing over rocky ledges with lush green trees surrounding a serene scene.

Have You Discovered Waterfall Glen?

This gorgeous setting is a great choice for a day spent outdoors exploring the site’s …

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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.

Tickets & Sponsorship