Openlands

The U.S. Department of the Interior’s decision to remove habitat destruction from the definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act represents a profound setback for wildlife protection in America. This decision ignores a fundamental reality: wildlife cannot survive without habitat.

Protecting a species while allowing the destruction of the places it depends on to feed, breed, and shelter is not meaningful protection. It undermines one of the core principles that has guided the Endangered Species Act for more than 50 years: that saving species requires protecting the ecosystems they need to survive.

Now is not the time to retreat from habitat conservation. It is time to recommit to it. Openlands will continue advocating for the places that sustain life and for the laws that recognize their value. Read our full statement here: https://ow.ly/lP0t50ZnyCS

Join the Openlands and the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) on July 18th to explore Big Marsh Park on the southeast side of Chicago!

You’ll explore how Big Marsh transformed formerly industrial land into a thriving habitat and recreational destination. Register today through the CAC website: https://ow.ly/Ynwl50Zm5rE

As part of the Chicago’s Living Habitat exhibit at the CAC, this event will kick off with a presentation by RVi Planning + Landscape Architecture and Valerio Dewalt Train on the park's landscape design and educational hub. Following the presentation, guests will break into walking tours led by the Chicago Park District, Openlands, and The Nature Conservancy in Illinois before returning to the center for a catered lunch.

This event is part of Chicago Climate Week (ChiCW). From July 18th-25th, ChiCW is a shared moment connecting and amplifying climate action across Chicagoland and the Midwest. Openlands is hosting a slate of events during ChiCW, including:
- Tour & Talk: Big Marsh Park (Saturday, July 18th)
- How to Care for Trees in Your Neighborhood (Monday, July 20th)
- Eugene Field Park Tree Walk (Thursday, July 23rd)

Learn more about ChiCW and register for Openlands' events: https://ow.ly/F4T450Zm5rI

Join Michael Davidson, Openlands' President and CEO, at the annual Climate Innovation Summit on July 15th. He will be speaking on the “Looking at the Big Picture: Establishing Climate Urgency” panel from 1:40pm to 2:40pm.

Hosted by Chicago Innovation, this event officially kicks off Chicago Climate Week. The event includes two parts: First, a series of panel discussions that examine what it takes to nourish common ground and invest in climate solutions we can all get behind. Then, the official "Chicago Climate Week Opening Reception & Preview" with light bites and complementary beverages.

Tickets are going fast! Learn more and register today: https://ow.ly/hGG750ZkNSG