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🌏 Earth Day reminds us that cities are ecosystems, too.

Coming soon, explore this idea at Flyway City: Architecture for a Flourishing Ecosystem, an inspiring new exhibition designed and co-curated by Studio Gang in collaboration with the CAC. Learn how you can take action to create healthier urban habitats and save birds from colliding with building glass, a problem that currently kills more than 1 billion birds each year in the US. The companion exhibition, Chicago’s Living Habitat, co‑curated with Openlands, connects the design of our cities with the environments that make them possible.

📍Opens June 11 at the Chicago Architecture Center.

Details at the link in bio.

@studiogang
@openlands

‼️Action Alert: Illinois Wetlands Need Our Help‼️
Today, the @chicagotribune Editorial Board urged state leaders to step up protections after the U.S. Supreme Court’s Sackett v. EPA ruling left wetlands more vulnerable than ever.
Here’s what’s at stake:
• 563,000 acres of Illinois wetlands currently have no state, county, or federal protection.
• Wetlands are critical wildlife habitat and natural infrastructure that reduce flooding, filter pollution, and protect water quality.
• Illinois has already lost most of its wetlands. We cannot afford to lose what remains.
Take action today via the link in our bio.

Did you know you can explore parts of the Underground Railroad by canoe on the South Side of Chicago?

The African American Heritage Water Trail traces 180+ years of Black history along the Little Calumet River, once traveled by freedom seekers escaping slavery.

I joined a free guided paddle starting at Beaubien Woods in Altgeld Gardens neighborhood where everything was included—gear, instruction, and powerful storytelling.

This was more than just a peaceful summer activity. It brought together people of all backgrounds and ages to reflect, connect, and experience a side of Chicago most don’t know exists.

If you’re looking for a meaningful, hidden gem experience in the city, this is one worth seeking out.
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#Chicago #ThingsToDoinChicago #SouthSide #HiddenGem #FreeThingsToDoChicago #UndergroundRailroad #BlackHistoryChicago #Nature #ChicagoGuide #LocalGuide #TheHauteSeeker @openlands @fpdcc

Chicagoans are encouraged to submit comments on the Green Infrastructure Strategy from now until July 10, 2026. Link to submit comment is in our bio.

But what exactly is green infrastructure?

Green infrastructure refers to nature-based features and methods designed to capture, slow, and absorb stormwater, thereby reducing water flow to sewer systems. These solutions include rain gardens, street trees, parks, and permeable paving: a type of pavement differing from conventional asphalt and concrete that allows water infiltration.

This implementation of this strategy will:
- Reduce flooding
- Help manage stormwater
- Expand climate resilience across the city

Leave your comment in support of the strategy today through the link in our bio.

Chicagoans are encouraged to submit comments on the Green Infrastructure Strategy from now until July 10, 2026. Link to submit comment is in our bio.

But what exactly is green infrastructure?

Green infrastructure refers to nature-based features and methods designed to capture, slow, and absorb stormwater, thereby reducing water flow to sewer systems. These solutions include rain gardens, street trees, parks, and permeable paving: a type of pavement differing from conventional asphalt and concrete that allows water infiltration.

This implementation of this strategy will:
- Reduce flooding
- Help manage stormwater
- Expand climate resilience across the city

Leave your comment in support of the strategy today through the link in our bio.

Chicagoans are encouraged to submit comments on the Green Infrastructure Strategy from now until July 10, 2026. Link to submit comment is in our bio.

But what exactly is green infrastructure?

Green infrastructure refers to nature-based features and methods designed to capture, slow, and absorb stormwater, thereby reducing water flow to sewer systems. These solutions include rain gardens, street trees, parks, and permeable paving: a type of pavement differing from conventional asphalt and concrete that allows water infiltration.

This implementation of this strategy will:
- Reduce flooding
- Help manage stormwater
- Expand climate resilience across the city

Leave your comment in support of the strategy today through the link in our bio.

With Callery Pear Trees officially listed as an invasive species in Illinois, we’re sharing better native alternatives that support birds, pollinators, and healthier ecosystems across our region.

Callery Pear spreads aggressively into natural areas, crowding out native plants and weakening biodiversity. Instead of planting this invasive species, consider other flowering native trees like:

1. Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)

2. Downy Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea)

3. Ohio Buckeye (Aesculus glabra)

4. Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)

5. Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera)

Share this post to help stop the spread of invasive trees across our region! Photos courtesy of @mortonarb.

With Callery Pear Trees officially listed as an invasive species in Illinois, we’re sharing better native alternatives that support birds, pollinators, and healthier ecosystems across our region.

Callery Pear spreads aggressively into natural areas, crowding out native plants and weakening biodiversity. Instead of planting this invasive species, consider other flowering native trees like:

1. Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)

2. Downy Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea)

3. Ohio Buckeye (Aesculus glabra)

4. Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)

5. Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera)

Share this post to help stop the spread of invasive trees across our region! Photos courtesy of @mortonarb.

With Callery Pear Trees officially listed as an invasive species in Illinois, we’re sharing better native alternatives that support birds, pollinators, and healthier ecosystems across our region.

Callery Pear spreads aggressively into natural areas, crowding out native plants and weakening biodiversity. Instead of planting this invasive species, consider other flowering native trees like:

1. Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)

2. Downy Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea)

3. Ohio Buckeye (Aesculus glabra)

4. Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)

5. Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera)

Share this post to help stop the spread of invasive trees across our region! Photos courtesy of @mortonarb.

With Callery Pear Trees officially listed as an invasive species in Illinois, we’re sharing better native alternatives that support birds, pollinators, and healthier ecosystems across our region.

Callery Pear spreads aggressively into natural areas, crowding out native plants and weakening biodiversity. Instead of planting this invasive species, consider other flowering native trees like:

1. Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)

2. Downy Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea)

3. Ohio Buckeye (Aesculus glabra)

4. Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)

5. Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera)

Share this post to help stop the spread of invasive trees across our region! Photos courtesy of @mortonarb.

With Callery Pear Trees officially listed as an invasive species in Illinois, we’re sharing better native alternatives that support birds, pollinators, and healthier ecosystems across our region.

Callery Pear spreads aggressively into natural areas, crowding out native plants and weakening biodiversity. Instead of planting this invasive species, consider other flowering native trees like:

1. Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)

2. Downy Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea)

3. Ohio Buckeye (Aesculus glabra)

4. Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)

5. Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera)

Share this post to help stop the spread of invasive trees across our region! Photos courtesy of @mortonarb.

You are invited to celebrate Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie's 30th Anniversary!

When: Saturday, June 6th, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Where: Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie Visitor Center and interpretive stations across the Prairie

Hike, bike, or drive to stations across the Prairie! From historical tours and science centers to a Smokey Bear bounce house, we’d love for you to join us to experience this milestone celebration and see firsthand the restoration work underway. No reservation required.

As the nation’s first National Tallgrass Prairie (NTP), Midewin represents the largest active restoration effort of its kind in the region. Openlands, in partnership with @wetlandsinitiative and @u.s.forestservice, is actively leading the restoration of more than 1,300 acres (nearly 1,000 football fields) within the Grant Creek watershed at this site.

Supported by grants from @nfwf and @nature_illinois, this project is expanding grassland bird habitat, improving ecosystem health, and reconnecting visitors to one of the region’s most important landscapes.

ACTION ALERT! The Farmer Tax Benefit Act would give farmers and landowners a fair, practical incentive to protect their farmland, open space, and natural resources. Right now, your support is critical as lawmakers finalize the Illinois State Budget.

Please call your legislators and urge them to support including HB4849/SB4193 in the revenue package. You can find your legislators and their contact information through the link in our bio:

"Hello, I’m a constituent calling to ask Senator/Representative _______ to co-sponsor the Farmer Tax Benefit Act (SB4193/HB4849) and support including it in the final revenue package. This bill helps protect farmland and natural areas while supporting farmers and local communities. Please share your support with leadership. Thank you."

ACTION ALERT! The Farmer Tax Benefit Act would give farmers and landowners a fair, practical incentive to protect their farmland, open space, and natural resources. Right now, your support is critical as lawmakers finalize the Illinois State Budget.

Please call your legislators and urge them to support including HB4849/SB4193 in the revenue package. You can find your legislators and their contact information through the link in our bio:

"Hello, I’m a constituent calling to ask Senator/Representative _______ to co-sponsor the Farmer Tax Benefit Act (SB4193/HB4849) and support including it in the final revenue package. This bill helps protect farmland and natural areas while supporting farmers and local communities. Please share your support with leadership. Thank you."

Since the early 1990s, Openlands has worked to establish, restore, and protect the Chicago region’s largest conserved open space, Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie in Will County. This month, Rep. Underwood visited Midewin for the very first time!

Joined by Openlands' President & CEO Michael Davidson, as well as our partners partners from @wetlandsinitiative, @‌nature_illinois, @‌ilenviro, and @‌gddonnelley, Midewin staff led Rep. Underwood on a tour of the 19,000+ acre prairie’s past, present, and future.

Thank you, Rep. Underwood, for your commitment to one of the most important conservation initiatives in Illinois of the 20th century!

Learn more about our work at Midewin through the link in our bio.

Since the early 1990s, Openlands has worked to establish, restore, and protect the Chicago region’s largest conserved open space, Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie in Will County. This month, Rep. Underwood visited Midewin for the very first time!

Joined by Openlands' President & CEO Michael Davidson, as well as our partners partners from @wetlandsinitiative, @‌nature_illinois, @‌ilenviro, and @‌gddonnelley, Midewin staff led Rep. Underwood on a tour of the 19,000+ acre prairie’s past, present, and future.

Thank you, Rep. Underwood, for your commitment to one of the most important conservation initiatives in Illinois of the 20th century!

Learn more about our work at Midewin through the link in our bio.

Since the early 1990s, Openlands has worked to establish, restore, and protect the Chicago region’s largest conserved open space, Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie in Will County. This month, Rep. Underwood visited Midewin for the very first time!

Joined by Openlands' President & CEO Michael Davidson, as well as our partners partners from @wetlandsinitiative, @‌nature_illinois, @‌ilenviro, and @‌gddonnelley, Midewin staff led Rep. Underwood on a tour of the 19,000+ acre prairie’s past, present, and future.

Thank you, Rep. Underwood, for your commitment to one of the most important conservation initiatives in Illinois of the 20th century!

Learn more about our work at Midewin through the link in our bio.

Since the early 1990s, Openlands has worked to establish, restore, and protect the Chicago region’s largest conserved open space, Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie in Will County. This month, Rep. Underwood visited Midewin for the very first time!

Joined by Openlands' President & CEO Michael Davidson, as well as our partners partners from @wetlandsinitiative, @‌nature_illinois, @‌ilenviro, and @‌gddonnelley, Midewin staff led Rep. Underwood on a tour of the 19,000+ acre prairie’s past, present, and future.

Thank you, Rep. Underwood, for your commitment to one of the most important conservation initiatives in Illinois of the 20th century!

Learn more about our work at Midewin through the link in our bio.

This summer, explore different segments of 500-mile The Grand Illinois Trail during #RIDEGIT! The first event with @rideillinois is coming up on Saturday, May 30th in Crystal Lake, IL. Bring you bike and get ready to make a difference at @pedalpalooza4fhpc!

This community-driven event is focused on raising funds to ensure that everyone in our community has access to essential routine preventative care, dental care, behavioral mental health services, medications, and more. All proceeds go to support Family Health Partnership Clinic, a lifeline for the uninsured residents in the area.

Sign up today through the link in our bio.

This summer, explore different segments of 500-mile The Grand Illinois Trail during #RIDEGIT! The first event with @rideillinois is coming up on Saturday, May 30th in Crystal Lake, IL. Bring you bike and get ready to make a difference at @pedalpalooza4fhpc!

This community-driven event is focused on raising funds to ensure that everyone in our community has access to essential routine preventative care, dental care, behavioral mental health services, medications, and more. All proceeds go to support Family Health Partnership Clinic, a lifeline for the uninsured residents in the area.

Sign up today through the link in our bio.

In April, supporters joined us at a Lobby Day to urge the General Assembly to support this bill. Now, we’re headed back to the Capitol on 5/30 to make a final push with legislators.

Anyone can join us at Lobby Day, from experienced lobbyers to first-time advocates. The Illinois Environmental Council has organized free buses departing from various communities across the Illinois. Reserve your spot today in our link in bio and let us know if you need a ride to Springfield!

With an estimated 66% of Chicago covered by impervious surfaces, low-lying topography bordering Lake Michigan, and historically filled in wetlands, flooding remains a persistent challenge across Chicago.

The City of Chicago published its updated Green Infrastructure Strategy, the first major update since 2014. From now until July 10, you can make a public comment supporting the plan to address flooding,strengthen climate resilience, and create healthier neighborhoods for all Chicagoans.

One example already making an impact across Chicago is Space to Grow, a partnership between Openlands and @healthyschools, together with @chipubschools, the Chicago Department of Water Management, the @chicago_doe and @mwrd_of_greater_chicago. The program transforms CPS schoolyards into vibrant green spaces designed to capture stormwater, reduce flooding, and create healthier places for students and communities. Follow the link in bio to comment and support this strategy today.

With an estimated 66% of Chicago covered by impervious surfaces, low-lying topography bordering Lake Michigan, and historically filled in wetlands, flooding remains a persistent challenge across Chicago.

The City of Chicago published its updated Green Infrastructure Strategy, the first major update since 2014. From now until July 10, you can make a public comment supporting the plan to address flooding,strengthen climate resilience, and create healthier neighborhoods for all Chicagoans.

One example already making an impact across Chicago is Space to Grow, a partnership between Openlands and @healthyschools, together with @chipubschools, the Chicago Department of Water Management, the @chicago_doe and @mwrd_of_greater_chicago. The program transforms CPS schoolyards into vibrant green spaces designed to capture stormwater, reduce flooding, and create healthier places for students and communities. Follow the link in bio to comment and support this strategy today.

With an estimated 66% of Chicago covered by impervious surfaces, low-lying topography bordering Lake Michigan, and historically filled in wetlands, flooding remains a persistent challenge across Chicago.

The City of Chicago published its updated Green Infrastructure Strategy, the first major update since 2014. From now until July 10, you can make a public comment supporting the plan to address flooding,strengthen climate resilience, and create healthier neighborhoods for all Chicagoans.

One example already making an impact across Chicago is Space to Grow, a partnership between Openlands and @healthyschools, together with @chipubschools, the Chicago Department of Water Management, the @chicago_doe and @mwrd_of_greater_chicago. The program transforms CPS schoolyards into vibrant green spaces designed to capture stormwater, reduce flooding, and create healthier places for students and communities. Follow the link in bio to comment and support this strategy today.

GOOD NEWS ALERT! Did you know there is a plan to complete a nearly 500-mile trail in northern Illinois? This summer, take these four opportunities to explore different segments of The Grand Illinois Trail during #RIDEGIT

May 30th – Crystal Lake, “Pedalpalooza”
June 6th – Freeport, “Free-Aqua-Na Cycle”
June 13th – Galena, “Spin the Driftless”
August 22nd – Ottawa, “Debate Days Ride”

Learn more and sign up for all of the events through the link in our bio.

The Grand Illinois Trail (GIT) has been three decades in the making. Now, 90% of the route is complete, linking iconic Illinois destinations: from the Chicago lakefront and Fox River Valley, through prairie farmlands, to the Mississippi River bluffs. Over the past several months, supporters have come together with the renewed purpose of completing the 500-mile route of the GIT.