Mission, Vision, & Values
Our Mission
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.
ABOUT OPENLANDS
More than 60 years of conserving nature for life.
Our Vision
Openlands’ 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. It also includes parks and preserves big enough to provide natural habitat and to give visitors a sense of the vast prairies, woodlands, and wetlands that were here before the cities.
Openlands believes that protected open space is critical for the quality of life of our region.
Our Values
How we work is just as important as what we work on. Our 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.
STRATEGY
We focus on the long term while making informed decisions today. We use data, expertise, and experience to intentionally tackle systemic challenges, leveraging all available resources to maximize our impact.
Become an Openlander
Donate to make a difference. Your support as an Openlander ensures we can keep connecting people to nature in the Chicago region.
Latest Openlands News
Director of Conservation Planning Sara Egan writes on fragmented municipal planning in Will County.
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The U.S. Department of the Interior’s decision to remove habitat destruction from the definition of …
TreeKeeper Lorraine Antieau writes about the Openlands Arborist Registered Apprentices treating for Emerald Ash Borer.
… 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.