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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.
total campaign GOAL
most ambitions campaign in Openlands history
New Acres protected
of land and water protected, with a focus on Hackmatack
new Trees planted
in low canopy areas throughout the region
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.
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.
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
Jerry Adelmann
President Emeritus
Daniella Pereira
Vice President of Community Conservation
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