Since 1916, Deer Grove Forest Preserve has been a key natural space in Cook County, Illinois. Openlands led an environmental team to assess, restore, and monitor oak ecosystems, which had suffered from invasive species. Working with the Forest Preserves of Cook County and local volunteers, they removed invasive plants, reintroduced sunlight, and encouraged the return of native grasses, sedges, and wildflowers, helping wildlife thrive once more.
Annual vegetation surveys guided adaptive management, ensuring ongoing restoration success. As the ecosystem recovers, about 1,500 tons of carbon will be sequestered yearly at the preserve. Learn more about this work here.
A related video highlights how nature-based solutions, through public-private collaboration, transformed the preserve into a healthy, accessible ecosystem. Organizations in various sectors can learn how integrating these methods supports business goals, community well-being, and sustainability efforts by leveraging partnerships, adaptive strategies, and volunteer engagement.
The outcome: resilient landscapes that boost safety, recreation, education, climate action, and measurable community value.
Watch the short video: Nature-based solutions help businesses and the community
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