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Openlands Nature for All Campaign

Increase access to nature for people, for now, and for generations to come.

A Legacy of Impact ​

60 years ago, Openlands was founded in response to a national call for more open space in urban areas. Since then, Openlands has led national and regional firsts. Through dynamic partnerships and strategic vision, we have guided land and water conservation work on all scales forward and ensured policy protects nature. Today, as calls for resiliency in the face of climate and biodiversity crisis abound, the region requires a bold, accelerated pace and scale of conservation. Openlands stands ready. We hope you'll stand with us!

"There is courage in acting for something you may not be able to enjoy in your lifetime. It takes an understanding of the urgency of the present paired with the imagination to see a potential future."

Campaign Focus

The Chicago metropolitan area’s abundant water and land resources are critical to its economic, cultural, and ecological future. The opportunities and needs are greater than ever. The Nature for All campaign will ensure the continued vibrancy and vitality of our region in the face of global challenges. This campaign has raised $20MM towards its $22MM goal and will conclude on Earth Day, 2024. 

$ 22 MM

total campaign GOAL

most ambitions campaign in Openlands history

1300 +

New Acres protected

of land and water protected, with a focus on Hackmatack

2250 +

new Trees planted

in low canopy areas throughout the region

Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge Ray mAthis

Conserving Land For All

Preserve 1,300+ acres of land and water across the region over the next two years, with a special focus on Hackmatack, the first National Wildlife Refuge accessible to the 12 million residents of metropolitan Chicago and Milwaukee.

Expanding Access for All

Invest in strengthening and expanding Openlands’ forestry and education programs, reaching thousands in the region. Funding will ensure 2,250 trees are planted in low-canopy areas, support the Arborist Registered Apprenticeship green workforce development program, and engage 2,500 TreeKeepers to help steward the urban canopy. 

Arborist Registered Apprentice Climbing Training

Accelerating Impact for All

Ensure Openland’s ability to respond boldly to regional environmental challenges and opportunities by investing in our organizational capacity, doubling our endowment from $5 million to $10 million and ensuring a successful transition to our next president and CEO.

A girl playing in a natural playground setting
Nature for All 2023-type only white

All for nature. Invest in the future of our region by giving to the campaign today.

Your investment creates long-lasting regional impact, amplifies conservation models for the nation, and advances the global movement to protect land, water, and wildlife for a more resilient world

Speak with an Openlander

Name(Required)

Openlands Staff Jerry Adelmann
Jerry Adelmann
President Emeritus
Openlands Staff Daniella Pereira
Daniella Pereira
Vice President of Community Conservation
Openlands Staff Emily Reusswig
Emily Reusswig
Vice President of Conservation and Policy

Campaign Committee

Dean Fischer and  Judith Stockdale, Co-Chairs

Jill Allread* 

Alan Bell*

Timothy Brown

Jonathan Copulsky*

Carrie McNally*

Lois Morrison

Glenn Reed*

Jill Riddell

JoAnn Seagren*

Nancy Sutherland

Anne Tucker*

Honorary Members

Shaun* and Andrew K. Block

James and Elizabeth Bramsen

Richard Carlson

Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan* Hamill

Judy and John W. McCarter Jr.

Jamee Kane

Jeanine and Andrew McNally IV

Wendy Paulson*

Nancy Hamill Winter

*Denotes a member of the Openlands Board of Directors

Campaign Supporters

Nancy Hamill Winter

Nancy Hamill Winter

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