Bartel Grassland Land and Water Reserve

About Bartel Grassland Land and Water Reserve

Once an agricultural area, Bartel Grassland is now home to an increasing variety of native plant and bird species as restoration efforts open up the landscape and encourage natural habitat.

Since 2008, Openlands has managed restoration at Bartel Grassland Land and Water Reserve and at the newly-designated Bobolink Meadow Land and Water Reserve, which is located at Tinley Creek Wetlands. Together, they have become high-quality habitat for birds and a birding destination for the region. The two nearby sites are both in proximity to Orland Grassland Land and Water Reserve, another legacy project of Openlands, which has created a network of pristine grassland and wetland habitats in southern Cook County.

Get outside and give back.

More to Explore in Cook County, IL

LaGrange Park, IL

Chicago, IL

Volunteer with Openlands​

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.

Scroll to Top
Jean Franczyk

See you at the 2026 Openlands Annual Luncheon!

Join us on Oct. 21 for “From the Ground Up,” honoring Jean M. Franczyk and featuring Dr. Tessa Francis as keynote.