Michael Dugan serves as VP of Land Management at Openlands, bringing 15 years of leadership experience in land stewardship and field based conservation programs. In their role, they align three critical areas-Forestry, Workforce Development, and Ecological Restoration, to ensure Openlands’ land stewardship efforts conserve vital landscapes, connect people with nature, and root land at the heart of our region’s identity and resilience.
Prior to joining Openlands in 2014, he led community groups and volunteers in natural area stewardship and urban forestry projects, as well as performing forest restoration in support of the MillionTreesNYC Initiative. Michael graduated with a Bachelor of the Arts from the Program on the Environment at the University of Washington. Michael is proud TreeKeeper #1256, an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist, holds an ISA Urban Forest Professional and Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ), and is a graduate of the Municipal Forestry Institute and Environmental Leadership Program.
A visionary leader, Michael is committed to is committed to building connected and resilient landscapes that sustain both nature and communities.
Favorite Place to Get Outside- Michael enjoys Chicago’s lakefront in every season, from its trails and bike paths to its beaches, formal parks, and wild natural spaces.
Contact Information
- Email: mdugan@openlands.org
- Phone: 312.863.6256
ISA Certified Arborist and Municipal Specialist
IL-9278AM
