Home / Nature for All
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."
Dean Fischer and Judith Stockdale Co-Chairs, Nature for All Campaign
most ambitions campaign in Openlands history
of land and water protected, with a focus on Hackmatack
in low canopy areas throughout the region
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.
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.
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.
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.
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*
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
Nancy Hamill Winter
Nancy Hamill Winter