The Latest Breaking News from Openlands

For conservation’s sake, transfer Joliet Training Area to Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie

An investment in Midewin, one of the largest prairie restorations east of the Mississippi River, is an investment in a climate-resilient future for our region, leaders of Openlands, Wetlands Initiative and Sierra Club Illinois write.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jan 5, 2024

Granted, nothing middling about this move at Midewin

Openlands and The Wetlands Initiative received a $1.5 million grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation through the America the Beautiful Challenge to restore and expand 1,321 acres of grassland habitat across Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie.

Chicago Sun-Times · Dec 22, 2023

Go & Show: Urban Stream Research Center, Birds in My Neighborhood and Illumination

A rare chance to tour the Urban Stream Research Center In Warrenville, the 10th annversary of Openlands’ Birds in My Neighborhood and Illumination opening at Morton Arboretum are in the Go & Show this week.

Chicago Sun-Times · Nov 16, 2023

A small amount of extra money will help the forest preserves bloom

With more natural land in a heavily populated area than anywhere else in North America, the preserves are almost like having a national park right here at home.

Chicago Sun-Times · Sep 28, 2022

Chicago cops explain why they’re making fewer arrests, a priest kicked out over assault accusations returns, family gives update on Cooper Roberts and more in your Chicago news roundup

Today’s update is a 5-minute read that will brief you on the day’s biggest stories.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jul 15, 2022

Around Chicago, grabbing paddles and boats for ‘river therapy’ amid the pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has helped spur more people to pick up a paddle and get out on the water. Conservation groups like Openlands hope to build on that.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jul 15, 2022

City plans to plant 75,000 trees over next five years

The effort will prioritize historically overlooked areas on the South and West sides — aiming to make tree coverage more equitable across the city.

Chicago Sun-Times · Apr 30, 2022