Establishing a Personal Green Legacy
Arborvitae means "tree of life." The arborvitae tree has evergreen leaves through all seasons, and its historic medicinal properties sustained the lives of native peoples and explorers for centuries. How fitting then, that the Arborvitae Society comprises individuals who are committed to nurturing and supporting The Morton Arboretum through time.
Members of the Arborvitae Society help the Arboretum create a greener future for all. By including the Arboretum in their wills or other estate plans, they generously ensure that our mission and programs will continue for generations to come.
Join the Arborvitae Society and become an advocate for a world where both trees and people thrive.
Arborvitae Society Benefits
As an Arborvitae Society member, you establish a personal legacy of support for The Morton Arboretum. In appreciation of your vision and generosity, we thank you with:
- Individualized estate planning assistance*
- Opportunity to schedule a private Arboretum tour
- Personal assistance with visits to the Arboretum
- Special recognition in annual contributor listings, Seasons, and on donor wall
- Invitations to exclusive donor events
*Our estate planning assistance can help you decide how to best structure your gift. It does not substitute for counsel from your lawyer and tax advisor, who can best advise you on the implications for your own personal situation.
Sample Bequest language
There are many ways to make a planned or deferred gift, and they are explored in greater detail under "Planned Giving." If chosen carefully, the gift will have great benefits for both you and The Morton Arboretum. One of the simplest ways to make a planned gift is through a simple bequest. The following is an example:
"I devise and bequeath [X% of my estate] OR [$_______ specific dollar amount] OR [the residue of my estate] to: The Morton Arboretum, of Lisle, Illinois, an Illinois not-for-profit charitable organization.*
*denotes legal name of The Morton Arboretum.
For more information on the Arborvitae Society and making a planned gift to The Morton Arboretum, please contact the Development Office at 630-725-2109 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
"The Arboretum has given me and my family so much pleasure in so many ways over the last 30 years...being a member of the Arborvitae Society, by including the Arboretum in my will, is my way of giving back in hope that the Arboretum will continue to grow and prosper." -Karen S. B.