Our Mission
Conserving nature close to home
Founded in 1963, Openlands protects the natural and open spaces of northeastern Illinois and the surrounding region to ensure cleaner air and water, protect natural habitats and wildlife, and help balance and enrich our lives.
Where We Work
Connecting a web of green and blue in the region
The Chicago region has one of the most complicated geo-political landscapes in the nation, covering three states. Since Openlands’ founding, we have played a critical role as the only conservation organization looking systematically across the region at the relationship between the natural environment, urban growth, community health, and comprehensive land-use planning.
Get Involved
Be an advocate for nature
There are many ways to help protect the nature you love with Openlands. Whether you’re a teacher that wants to teach outside, a government agency that wants to improve your green space or a tree lover who wants to volunteer in their community, there are opportunities to connect with nature where you live.
Around Openlands
Join a Spring Tree Planting Event
Spring is tree planting season and we have many opportunities for you to get your hands in the dirt. Check out our events page for a full list of plantings.
Shop the Native Tree and Plant Sale
The annual sale, held in partnership with Possibility Place, is now open and offers an array of native shrubs, trees, grasses, and flowers to beautify your landscape and support ecological health.
Regístrese para el Curso de TreeKeepers en español
En el mes de Julio, Openlands ofrecerá una vez más su Curso de TreeKeepers en español. Este Curso, gratuito, se llevará a cabo los martes y jueves por la tarde desde el 11 de Julio hasta el 3 de Agosto en el Parque McKinley ubicado en el suroeste de Chicago.