Openlands

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐠𝐨 𝐥𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐚 𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐬, with multi-billion-dollar developments being considered & federal environmental protections declining. Our new report examines legal safeguards & calls for reform: ow.ly/9Ceu50VwriH

The City of Oak Forest planted over 40 trees on Kilbourn Avenue with @Openlands on Saturday. These trees will beautify the area, cut down on noise pollution, and help clean the air.

The #MWRD joined the Space to Grow doubleheader on Friday, Nov. 7, for new schoolyard ribbon-cutting ceremonies at two #Chicago public schools with our partners at @healthyschools, @Openlands, @ChicagoPublicSchools, @ChicagoWater, & @ChicagoDOE mwrd.org/stormwater/spa…

Bradwell schoolyard is open for play. Capturing over 438,000 gallons, the surface gives kids a place to play and space for stormwater retention! instagram.com/reel/DRLDybNib… @SpaceToGrowChi @ChiPubSchools @ChicagoDOE @Openlands @ChicagoWater @mwrdvp @waller4water @AldGregMitchell

🌳 Students, staff & volunteers teamed up with @Openlands to plant native trees at RMHS & FVEC! These trees will bring shade, beauty & a lasting lesson in environmental stewardship. Thank you to everyone who made it happen!

Thank you to the media outlets that featured this milestone for regional restoration and conservation: @dailyherald @wttw @WBEZ @WBBMNewsradio @PatchTweet @Stantec @FPDCC

We’re thrilled by the recent press coverage celebrating the completion of the O’Hare Modernization Wetlands Mitigation Project at Deer Grove East—one of the largest and most successful restoration projects in our region. Read more in our newsroom: ow.ly/wmN250X8e7V

We celebrated our Garden Party at Irma C. Ruiz Elementary with @uie_natres & @chigrowsfood as part of our HUBS program! Guests learned safe harvesting, weed ID & removal, enjoyed cooking demos, and built grow kits for home. Thank you to our partners and attendees for joining.🌱

Openlands proudly celebrates Leslie Leon Agular and Carlos Ortega as our newest ISA Certified Arborists! Their expertise strengthens our urban forestry team and enhances our city's green canopy. Congratulations to both for this remarkable achievement!

Join us for the Lake to Prairie Wild Ones Conference on Nov 8 at Village of Round Lake Beach Cultural and Civic Center. Learn from keynote speaker Doug Tallamy & Openlands Landscape Ecologist Mary Fortmann on creating thriving habitats. Register now: ow.ly/VQFC50WXePx

Attention teachers & community members! Join our Garden Party on Sept 16, 4:30-6:30 PM at Irma C. Ruiz Elementary, Pilsen! Bring a friend, and enjoy dinner, music, hands-on gardening activities & cooking demos. 🌿✨Free fun for all! Register now: ow.ly/FELY50WUT1T

Join Chris Bourbois from Openlands & @shedd_aquarium as they explore mussel monitoring in the Nippersink Creek! These key species signal water quality & wildlife diversity. Tune in for insights on our mussel monitoring process! 🌊🔍

(2/2) For the first time, the course will be hosted at @NEIU from Oct. 4 to Nov. 1. Course Dates and Times Class 1: Oct. 4 (9 AM – 1 PM) Class 2: Oct. 11 (9 AM – 1 PM) Class 3: Oct. 18 (9 AM – 1 PM) Class 4: Oct. 25 (9 AM – 1 PM) Class 5: Nov. 1 (9 AM – 1 PM)

(1/2) Registration is now open for the Fall 2025 TreeKeepers course! Join us to advocate for trees and learn vital urban forestry skills to build a resilient urban forest! Register Here: ow.ly/Ct2G50WUf8C Apply for a Scholarship: ow.ly/GJ2M50WUf8E Course schedule⬇️

🌳 What's in my TreeKeeper bag? Join Molly Roche as she unveils essential tools for assessing urban tree health! 🌱 Want to lead a TreeKeepers event? Email: treekeepers@openlands.org

Openlands staff had a great time at #LTARally2025 in Cleveland! 🌿 This annual gathering brings together land conservation leaders from across the nation to protect cherished places. Huge thanks to @LTAlliance, organizers & workshop leaders for an inspiring event!

🌳 Fall tree planting season is here! Our Forestry team is excited to partner with grant recipients to grow green communities. Apply for the Openlands TreePlanters Grants today and make a difference! 🌱💚 ow.ly/oqBw50WRYtA

@Suntimes spotlights Openlands & @WillCoForests celebrating 20 years of Hadley Valley Preserve’s restoration, part of the O’Hare Modernization Wetlands Mitigation Project. The piece quotes Openlands' President & CEO Michael Davidson. Read more: ow.ly/GwaO50WRyAW

Openlands ecologists teamed up with @shedd_aquarium to monitor mussels in North Branch Nippersink Creek, a vital water quality indicator. Huge thanks to our dedicated volunteers! Discover more and plan your visit to Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge: openlands.org/places/nippers…

It’s Marathon Monday! 🌿 Meet Team Openlands runner Megan Manning, running her first @chimarathon to support the mission that shaped her childhood in Chicago’s green spaces. 🏃‍♀️ Support runners like Megan: ow.ly/vlNY50WPke9

🍂 Fall Nature Fest is back! Join us Sat, Sept 13 from 12–3pm at LaBagh Woods with 60+ environmental orgs for this free event—featuring animals from @brookfield_zoo, family activities, food trucks & more! Learn more: ow.ly/HbOT50WN9tR @BridgetDegnen