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Bird WalkSaturdays, May 19, June 2 and 16, July 7 and 21 & August 18
8–10:30 a.m.
Thornhill Education CenterIdentify birds that overwinter in Illinois. See details
Discuss bird behavior and natural history during this guided walk.
Saturdays, May 19, June 2, June 16, July 7 (family friendly walk), July 21 & August 18
8–10:30 a.m.
Thornhill Education Center$8 Member ($10 Non-Member)
REGISTER NOW to reserve your spot or sign up day of the event.ONLINE
May 19
June 2
June 16
July 7 (family friendly walk)
July 21
August 18
CALL 630-719-2468, Monday-Friday; 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
VISIT The Visitor Center, daily during regular hoursNormal admission fees apply.
Not a member? Begin or renew a membership now. -
Northern Illinois Iris Society ShowSaturday, June 2
11:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
Visitor Center Area
Discover the beauty of tall bearded and Siberian irises. See details
Society members will be available to answer questions and provide planting advice. Some iris varieties will be available for purchase.
Saturday, June 2
11:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
Visitor Center Area -
Pioneering Prairie Spirit in Landscape DesignWednesday, June 20
6:30–8:30 p.m.
Sterling Morton LibraryNationally recognized historians and authors introduce you to the pioneers of the native-landscape movement. See details
It's the 50th anniversary of the Arboretum's Schulenberg Prairie, one of the first restored tall-grass prairies in the nation! Learn more about this important native landscape type at this new symposium.
In the late 19th and early 20th century, landscape design in the Chicago region went through a major transformation. For the first time, people began to value native plants and natural landscapes. Who were the pioneering people behind this movement?
Jensen. Simonds. Olmstead.
Learn about them through the lens of three prominent landscape historians: Christopher Vernon, Bob Grese, and Robin Karson.
Explore research presented in their new books, Graceland Cemetery: A Design History and The Native Landscape,
Plus, view and discuss the short film by Daniel Morrison, Designing in the Prairie Spirit.
This event is partially underwritten by the Library of American Landscape History and forms a part of the Sesquicentennial Celebration of the Founding of Graceland Cemetery.
Both books will be available for purchase and signing at the presentation.
Wednesday, June 20
6:30–8:30 p.m.
Sterling Morton Library
Program #H493$21 Member ($25 Non-Member)
Non-members: One-day admission fee to the Arboretum included in event fee.REGISTER NOW!
CALL630-719-2468, Monday-Friday; 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
VISIT The Visitor Center, daily during regular hours
Not a member? Begin or renew a membership now.
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Summer Solstice Guided WalkWednesday, June 20 & Saturday, June 23
7–8:30 p.m.
Parking Lot 25Celebrate two of the longest days of the year exploring the Schulenberg Prairie. See details
It's the 50th anniversary of the Arboretum's Schulenberg Prairie, one of the first restored tall-grass prairies in the nation! Enjoy the sights and sounds of the prairie at dusk. It's one of the most active times for birds and other wildlife, too.
Wednesday, June 20 & Saturday, June 23
7–8:30 p.m.
Parking Lot 25 -
The Prairie in SummerJune 9, July 14, August 11
9:30 a.m.–noon
Prairie Visitor StationOn the 50th anniversary of Schulenberg Prairie, explore the prairie's ever-changing ecology with an Arboretum expert. See details
Field guide optional. A plant list will be provided.
June 9, July 14, August 11
9:30 a.m.–noon
Prairie Visitor Station$18 Member ($25 Non-Member)
Note: Held outdoors. Please dress for the weather.
REGISTER NOW to reserve your spot or sign up day of the event.
ONLINE
June 9
July 14
August 11
CALL 630-719-2468, Monday-Friday; 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
VISIT The Visitor Center, daily during regular hoursNot a member? Join or renew now.
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Prairie Mystery Picnic Family AdventureJuly 21
11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Parking Lot 30Become a prairie detective! Hunt for clues of Arboretum wildlife. See details
End your adventure with a gourmet family picnic.
July 21
11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Parking Lot 30$18 Member (Non-Members $25)
REGISTER NOW to reserve your spot or sign up day of the event.
ONLINE
CALL 630-719-2468, Monday-Friday; 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
VISIT The Visitor Center, daily during regular hoursNot a member? Join or renew now.
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Summer Discovery Twilight HikeJune 23, August 10
7–9 p.m.
Thornhill ShelterExplore the Arboretum at twilight. See details
Listen for birds, view evening blooming flowers, and share marshmallows and stories around the campfire.
June 23, August 10
7–9 p.m.
Thornhill Shelter$22 Member ($26 Non-Member)
REGISTER NOW to reserve your spot or sign up day of the event.ONLINE
June 23
August 10
CALL 630-719-2468, Monday-Friday; 8 a.m.-4 p.m.VISIT The Visitor Center, daily during regular hoursNot a member? Join or renew Now
Start the hobby you always wanted. Attend our "New to Nature" programs. These events are often held on weekends or evenings to accommodate nature-enthusiasts who work fulltime.