The Morton Arb

Vanishing Acts: Trees Under Threat Exhibit
Sept 2, 2011–Sept 2, 2012
7 a.m.-sunset
Conifer Collection 

A new outdoor exhibit shows that trees that we know and love are endangered in the wild. By protecting them, we help ourselves and the entire planet.

Just a few examples of the trees you'll learn about at Vanishing Acts:

Wild Apple. Apple pie. An apple for the teacher. An apple a day keeps the doctor away. The apple's delicious sweetness anchors our American traditions. The world's last remaining wild apple trees are being cut down to make room for houses.

Fraser Fir. At Christmas time, many enjoy Fraser fir's soft, fragrant foliage and perfect shape. A non-native insect has killed up to 95 percent of wild Fraser firs growing in the Appalachians.

Pacific Yew. Many cancer survivors and their families can thank the Pacific yew tree for a cancer-fighting compound discovered in its bark. Wild Pacific yews are recovering from overharvesting after the discovery.

"To save trees, we can accomplish more together than we can individually," says Gerard Donnelly, President and CEO of The Morton Arboretum. "With 8,000 endangered tree species worldwide, it's a huge issue with a direct link to climate change and other factors affecting the health of plants, people, and the planet."

Vanishing Acts was developed by The Morton Arboretum and will be shown here through September 2012 and will also tour nationally.

The Vanishing Acts exhibit is located in the Conifer Collection, just a short stroll off the Conifer Walk.

Come make a day of it by walking the .25 mile exhibit loop and then experiencing the outstanding autumn colors of our 4,100 kinds of trees from around the world.

Want to learn more about endangered trees?  Here are some suggested programs that may interest you:

Lunch and Learn: Behind the Scenes of the Vanishing Acts Exhibit
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Meet some of the world's rarest, most endangered trees and get a behind-the-scenes look at how the Arboretum developed its nationally touring exhibit Vanishing Acts: Trees Under Threat.

This traveling exhibit is organized and circulated by The Morton Arboretum, in partnership with the Global Trees Campaign, and made possible by a grant from the Institute for Museum and Library Services.

The Arboretum wishes to thank the following Contributing Sponsor of Vanishing Acts: Trees Under Threat

Who's hiding in the Children's Garden? Most of the little critters are hibernating, but bring your best "I Spy" skills to find the gnomes hidden throughout the garden.  A sign at the entrance of the Children's Garden gives directions. All visitors welcome to this free drop-in program.

November 1-February 29 (weather permitting)
Daily; 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. 
All ages 
The Children's Garden

This winter put on your mittens and warm wool socks and cross-country ski or snowshoe across our 1,700 acre winter wonderland. Bring your own skis and snowshoes or rent ours!

Kids' and adults' cross-country skis and snowshoes are available for rent 9 a.m.-3 p.m., at the Visitor Center Area, on a first-come, first-served basis. Only when there is four or more inches of snow on the ground. 

Snowshoe Rental
$8 ($10 Non-member) per pair for two hour rental
$12 ($14 non-member) per pair for all day rental 

Rental fee doesn't include Arboretum admission fee.

Cross-country Ski Rental
(Includes skis, boots & poles)
$13 ($15 for Non-member) per pair for two hour rental
$18 ($20 Non-member) per pair for all day rental

Rental fee doesn't include Arboretum admission fee.

*Quantities limited.  

There are wonderful skiing destinations across the Arboretum grounds:

• Discover new territory on the Arboretum's East Side. Explore 4 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails. This trail loops from the Conifer Collection out to Parking Lot 8 and back to the Elm Family Collection. A map of the cross-country ski trail will be available at the rental kiosk and in the Visitor Center.
• Blaze your own path across our 1,700 acres or trek along the Arboretum's 16 miles of hiking trails.

Popular Cross-Country Ski & Snowshoe Spots: 

• The Conifer Collection (good for kids and families)
• Thornhill Education Center Lawn
• Main Trail Loop 4 on the East Side
• Spruce Plot near Parking Lot 12
• Daffodil Glade at Parking Lot 22
• Groomed trails on the East Side (only for skiing)

Please only wear snowshoes and cross-country skis on snow-covered trails and areas. No skis or snowshoes allowed on the roads. Benches are available in various locations. Restrooms and warming stations are located at the Visitor Center, Thornhill Education Center, and Thornhill Shelter (P-21).

For more information, read our Winter Recreation Information, visit the Information Desk at the Visitor Center, or call 630-968-0074.

There's something to be said about the spontaneity of hills, (and the Morton Arboretum has lots of them), weather, and the great outdoors. So instead of watching the cold from the comfort of your couch, head over to the Arb for fresh air, natural light, ever-changing scenery and props – steep hills, and picnic benches.

Try these 5 quick tips for spontaneous outdoor workouts and apps to activate and stay focused on personal goals:

1. Go for it. On the 9 miles of paved roads and 16 miles of trails that wind through our collections, workouts can arise spontaneously and suddenly you're struck with the urge to exercise says Mark Sisson, founder of Primal Blueprint Fitness. "Chances are it's unlike anything you've ever done, simply because it's unplanned and random. Pick up your pace and take off," he recommends. All our roads are shoveled during the winter time.

2. Climb something. Celebrate creativity and ramp up the fun by climbing a hill says Meredith Vieceli, a certified nutritionist and triathlon/running coach and creator of Bioendurance.com. There's two really steep ones at the Arboretum: It's a 70 foot incline up Frost Hill on the East Side and an 80 foot incline from the bridge to Thornhill on the West Side.

When climbing uphill, the push of your legs should be directed to and through your center of gravity, which will add power and momentum. Or try "Step-Ups," she says. Find a bench or picnic table and step up with the right leg leading followed by the left. Step back again with right leg leading. Be sure to get your whole foot onto the bench. 15 reps with right leg leading and then switch and do 15 reps with left leg leading. 

3. Pick up the pace. Picking up the pace isn't just for competitive types. Shift your walk into a run by using trees (there's thousands of them) as a guide, suggests Vieceli. This is a speed interval workout where you will alternate between an easy, recovery jog pace OR walk to a much faster "sprint" run. After an easy 10 minute warm-up, lightly jog from one pole to the next and then run fast (or sprint) to the next.

4. Ready, set, go...sprint. Really want to intensify your workout? Challenge yourself by sprinting up a hill, the steeper the hill, the greater the challenge, says Vieceli. After a 10 minute warm up, run up the hill as fast as you can, walk or recovery jog easy back down. Repeat 6-8x and work your way up to 15 repeats. Or try running up the hill backwards if you really want to work your glutes and hamstrings. A few years ago the Northwestern University Women's X-Country team was doing exactly this – 10 times!! Try sprinting up the berm by the Crabapple Collection.

5. Get the App. Fear no workout with the "iMapMyRide" (and "MyRun", "MyWalk", "MyFitness" or "MyHike") apps, recommends Vieceli. Get your pace, distance, calories burned and a live route map for your run or hike, plus there's geo tag photos and voice feedback to coach you on, she suggests.  Or, need a coach in your ear? Consider Lance Armstrong urging you to get your butt off the chair and run harder, faster and smarter with "Nike Coaching Runs." These stick-with-it outdoor conditioning apps, including the "Run Coach Pro" and "RunKeeper" motivate you to run harder, faster and smarter, anywhere and anytime.

This month only, non-member guests can visit the Arboretum FREE of charge when arriving with a member in the same vehicle.

The friend who's always there for you. A brother who's had a tough year. The babysitter. A special aunt...Take time to show your love and appreciation for the people in your life. We make it easy!

Suggested activities to do with friends all February:

• Create a morning walking group. Explore nine miles of plowed roads and a .5 mile path around Meadow Lake. Or, hike 16 miles of maintained trails. Watch staff member Mary S. describe her favorite walk. Free.
  
  
• Bring your favorite foodie to the Chocolate Expo on February 4 & 5, and sample your way around the booths. Free.
  
  
• Show a tree-hugging friend Vanishing Acts: Trees under Threat in the Conifer Collection. Learn what you both can do to save trees around the world. Free.
  
  

• Take in winter's beauty in the comfort of your car. If a long hike doesn't appeal, take your friend on a leisurely winter drive on the East and West Sides. Free.

• Bring a gardener to explore the gardening books in the Sterling Morton Library. This beautiful space is bursting with inspiration to plan your spring gardens. Free.
  
  
• Enjoy a free guided tour led by a docent. Weather permitting. Times vary. Check in at the Visitor Center for tour times. Free.
  
  
• Take a hot chocolate hike with a birder. Stop in at the Ginkgo Cafe for a warm cuppa before heading out on the trails to look for birds and other winter wildlife. Less than $10.
  
  

• Meet a girlfriend for lunch at the Ginkgo Restaurant & Cafe. Members receive 10% discount at the restaurant all February. $4-$10 each.

• Go on a snowshoe or cross-country ski adventure. Bring your own equipment or rent ours. Snowshoes and cross-country skis available for rent with four inches of snowfall. Free-$20 each.
  
  
• Bring a choco-holic to a chocolate "sushi" making class or attend other "Celebrating Chocolate" events every weekend in February. $20-$30 each.

The floor-to-ceiling windows in the Ginkgo Room provide a stunning winter panoramic lake view. Great place to warm up while dining! 

-Delicious Breakfast is offered from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday & Sunday

-Seasonal gourmet lunch specials, plus our famous chili

-FREE WIFI for the perfect nature-inspired office

-Hot cocoa, hot cider (made with Arboretum honey), and warm-me-up Starbucks beverages at the Ginkgo Cafe

Bicycling is good for your health and good for the environment, too! Take advantage of this opportunity to explore our expansive grounds in an up close way.

Look for bike racks at the Visitor Center, Big Rock and Prairie Visitor Stations, Administration & Research Center, Thornhill Education Center, and near the Gatehouses at the main entrance. Lock your bike at any of these racks, and see more of nature’s beauty by enjoying a walk on our trails, or into our gardens.

During summer, enjoy daily bike rentals and "vehicle-free" biking on Friday evenings and Saturday and Sunday mornings.

Maximize your bicycling experience by reading our Bicycling Guidelines before you visit.