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:

🍂 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: @BridgetDegnen

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Tree mulching is a fundamental practice for supporting the healthy growth of newly planted trees. Learn best practices and techniques such as donut mulching and the 3x3x3 rule in this demonstration from tree care expert, Tom Ebeling. Tune in and share:

🌳 Invasive shrubs threaten 80% of our region’s forests. Openlands’ Lands in Harmony program helps Lake County property owners with buckthorn ID, removal & eco-friendly practices. Schedule a consultation with our ecologists today:

A new study from @MortonArboretum & @LifeAtPurdue reveals 80% of Chicago-area forests are overrun by invasive shrubs like buckthorn & honeysuckle. @BlockClubCHI highlights the urgency of restoration efforts. Read the full piece: 📸:Colin Boyle

Today is World Lake Day!🌊 Chicago's lakefront offers a wide variety of destinations, including parks, beaches, natural areas, cultural attractions & water sports venues. Explore our Get Outside map to discover 100 locations:

We hosted a Tree ID Walk at @gpconservatory with TreeKeepers’ Molly Roche and Leslie Leon-Aguilar, spotting black walnut, redbud, honey locust, sweetgum, tricolor beech, hawthorn, and tulip tree. Sign up for our TreeKeepers Newsletter for future walks:

🎉 Our Spanish TreeKeepers course wrapped up! We’re thrilled to welcome 19 new TreeKeepers growing our presence in Little Village & Marshall Square. 🌳 Thanks to @latinospro for hosting & partnering with us! . Learn more about the TreeKeepers Course:

It’s #MarathonMonday! Meet Brad Hanzel, running the 2025 @ChiMarathon with Team Openlands. His favorite run is the Illinois Prairie Path—the nation’s first rails-to-trails, led by Openlands. As a conservationist, Brad runs to protect nature. Learn more:

Proper watering is vital to help your new neighborhood trees survive, grow, and flourish. Tom Ebeling, Openlands Senior Forestry Program Manager, demonstrates best practices to water your trees. Tune in and share with others:

The Space to Grow program is possible thanks to the partnership between @healthyschools, Openlands, @ChiPubSchool @MWRDGC , @ChicagoWater, @ChicagoDOE.

Space to Grow has transformed 36 schoolyards into green community hubs across Chicago. The @chicagotribune spotlights the program’s decade of impact, from Grissom Elementary’s 2014 yard conversion to reducing flooding in Hegewisch and beyond. Read more:

We’re proud to spotlight Team Openlands runner Sarah Hindman, returning for her first @Bankof2025. Sarah grew up in Lake Bluff with a deep connection to local woods and prairies. Your contribution makes a big impact on nature. Support Team Openlands:

A big thank-you to our Space to Grow Partners partners: @Healthyschools @ChiPubSchool, @MWRDGC, and @ChicagoDepartment @ChicagoWater for making this collaboration possible. 🙌.

(3/3) With five new @SpaceToGrowChi schoolyards launching this year, workshops like this ensure long-term care and vibrant green spaces for students and communities alike:

(2/3) This hands-on training equips school staff with the tools + knowledge to keep trees healthy for years to come, strengthening the impact of @SpaceToGrowChi schoolyards across Chicago. 🌱

(1/3)🌳Openlands’ Senior Forestry Program Manager, Tom Ebeling, recently led a basic tree care workshop for @ChiPubSchool engineers + building managers involved with Space to Grow schools. Learn more about Space to Grow in @chicagotribune's coverage:

Congratulations to Robert West as the new Forest Supervisor for the @forestservice. at @MidewinNatTP. West previously served as the Deputy Forest Supervisor at the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia. We look forward to continuing our partnership under his leadership.

🦋Exciting news! Monarch butterflies spotted laying eggs on milkweed at our Lands in Harmony site! Royal catchfly & wild petunia also found (both endangered)! Have you seen these species? Share your encounters with us!. Learn more about Lands in Harmony:

(3/3) This collaborative effort showcases the power of partnerships in restoration. Thank you to all the partners and supporters for making this happen. Read more via press press release:

(2/3) Openlands assisted with invasive brush removal, herbaceous weed control, and provided prairie + wetland seed for permanent cover. Partners also included students from @RBCHS @MarengoHS, Alden-Hebron, McHenry, and @Woodstock_High schools.