Openlands

Openlands is proud to announce the creation of The Negaunee Opportunity Fund with a $3 million gift from The Negaunee Foundation. The Fund will support Openlands’ land acquisition transactions across the region, including ongoing acquisitions at Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge. Openlands Board Chair, JoAnn Seagren shared, "With diminishing private funds available specifically for land acquisition, The Negaunee Foundation has established itself as a philanthropic leader and champion for nature." Full release: https://lnkd.in/gRDgSEsP

Join us on Friday, July 26, for our "Break It Down: Decomposer Exploration" workshop by the Green Teacher Network. Get ready to explore the transformative magic of decomposition and for some hands-on professional development in topics such as growing mushrooms and building composting bins. Learn more event details and register now: https://ow.ly/hI5p50SrZj6

"Paddling along the water trail can be ethereal and spiritual...When you combine the narration of history with nature, it's a larger than life experience, especially if you understand the gravity of the stories as it relates to black history and American history," says Lillian Holden, Openlands' Regional Water Trails Manager. She spoke with National Geographic about the African American Heritage Water Trail as part of a story on restoration and recreation along waterways in Chicago. Full read: https://ow.ly/zpmw50SrYG5

Openlands' Lands in Harmony program offers Lake County residents the opportunity to bring their property into harmony with the Earth. Meet with one of our ecologists on your property to learn the best conservation-friendly practices and receive practical project suggestions for incorporating native plants. Appointments available now: https://ow.ly/ST2750SrY9J

This July 4th, celebrate the great outdoors with Openlands, which pioneered many of our nation's firsts. From creating the nation's first rails-to-trails conversion to helping to establish the first national tallgrass prairie, Openlands has left our mark in the legacy of this great country by protecting its invaluable cultural and natural heritage. Your gift today can help us create the next verdant chapter of our history: https://ow.ly/ZOrU50Svo7G Image: USDA Forest Service photo by Preston Keres at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie

Summer is here! Watering your plants properly is crucial to protect your landscape and keep your trees thriving. Here are some tips and best practices: 🌳The best time of the day to water your trees is in the morning. 🌳Each newly planted tree needs 10-15 gallons of water each week. 🌳 Water slowly. The tree isn’t on fire. 🌳Focus on watering around the base of the tree. Sign up for our TreeKeepers Newsletter to learn more: https://ow.ly/qvqO50Sro4r

It's back-to-school season for Openlands' Director of Education Jessica Fong, M.Ed., M.A. who has started her Doctorate in Education (E.ED) in Educational Sustainability program at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Congratulations Jessica! We wish you the best of luck starting this program built for educators and leaders who hold a passion for transforming systems of teaching and learning through a sustainability lens.

Exciting day for Lake County! 🌿🚴♂️ We’re thrilled to announce that our local leaders are celebrating a major victory! The Illinois state budget goes into effect today, which includes $1M to plan for the much-anticipated greenway in Lake County. This project will enhance our community’s connection to nature and provide more recreational opportunities for everyone. Check out the full press release on our website for the details: https://ow.ly/ZxZF50SrnQR

Openlands seeks volunteers for the Spanish TreeKeepers program and our Summer 2024 course. Become a certified tree caretaker and community ambassador. Learn more through this Univision Local Media Chicago interview with our course lecturer and Openlands spokesperson, Yamys J. Urbano Valencia (Interview in Spanish): https://ow.ly/ui0j50Srnv5

Congratulations to Openlands' friend and long-term partner Edward Collins on receiving the Silver Eagle Award from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Edward is currently the Director of Land Preservation and Natural Resources of the McHenry County Conservation District and played a crucial role in establishing the Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge.