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Rooted in our deep understanding of the Urban Forest, Openlands equips communities in the region with the resources needed to be able to effectively and efficiently protect trees in neighborhoods and throughout the region.
Growing the Tree Canopy
We work directly with and in communities to plant diverse native tree species, train hundreds of people annually to properly care for the tree canopy in parks and city blocks, and advocate for science-based policies and strategies protecting the existing urban forest.
Ensuring communities across Chicagoland enjoy trees’ health, economic, and societal benefits while mitigating the worst effects of climate change for generations to come.
Protecting the Urban Forest
Rooted in our deep understanding of the Urban Forest, Openlands equips communities with the resources needed to effectively and efficiently protect trees in neighborhoods and throughout the region.
TreeKeepers are an ever-growing community of tree ambassadors that care for the Urban Forest in Chicagoland. Through the TreeKeeper Course, tree lovers of all ages and backgrounds gain accessible training and education that certify them as an official TreeKeeper.
The Arborist Registered Apprenticeship is a 3-year training program in partnership with the Department of Labor and Tree Care Companies across the Chicago region. By providing entry-level job opportunities, the ARA program trains the next generation of urban forestry professionals.
Openlands TreePlanters Grants, awarded to people, groups or organizations, support the planting of new trees in communities throughout the City of Chicago and near south suburbs with a special focus on communities with low canopy coverage.
Openlands works on dynamic levels to enact change in individuals, communities, and public policy in the city and region. Policy and advocacy like the Urban Forestry Advisory Board create larger structural opportunities to increase access to the health, community, and economic benefits that trees provide.
