The Morton Arb

CALENDAR

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    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.

  • Northern Illinois Iris Society Show

    Saturday, June 1, 11:00 a.m.– 5:00 p.m.
    Sunday, June 2, 10:00 a.m.– 5:00 p.m.
    Sycamore Room

    Discover the beauty of tall bearded and Siberian irises. See details

    Northern Illinois Iris Society Show, June 1-2 at The Morton ArboretumSociety members will be available to answer questions and provide planting advice. Some iris varieties will be available for purchase.

    Saturday, June 1, 11:00 a.m.– 5:00 p.m.
    Sunday, June 2, 10:00 a.m.– 5:00 p.m.
    Sycamore Room

  • Springtime on the Prairie

    NEW SECTION ADDED
    Wednesday, May 22
    5:30– 7:30 pm
    Prairie Visitor Station

    Stroll on the Schulenberg Prairie with Cindy Crosby, National Parks Service writer in residence and Steward Supervisor. See details

    Feast your eyes on shooting stars and wild flowers, and delight your ears with the songs of spring birds. 

    Springtime on the Prairie
    Wednesday, May 22
    5:30– 7:30 pm
    Prairie Visitor Station

    Member $18 (nonmember $22)

    Held outdoors. Please dress for the weather and for walking on trails.

    REGISTER NOW
    ONLINE 
        May 22 
        May 30  SOLD OUT
    CALL 630-719-2468, 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.

  • Bird Walk

    Saturdays, June 1 & 15, July 6 & 20, August 3 & 17
    8:00-10:30 a.m.
    Thornhill Education Center

    Search the woods, fields, and edges for birds. See details

    Learn about the resident birds, their preferred haunts, foraging needs, and nesting behavior with an expert guide.

    Saturday, June 1 & 15, July 6 & 20, August 3 & 17
    8:00-10:30 a.m.
    Thornhill Shelter

    $8 Member ($10 Non-Member)

    REGISTER NOW to reserve your spot or sign up day of the event.

    ONLINE   
       Section a: June 1 with Luke Dahlberg
       Section b: June 15 with Gloria Dobry
       Section c: July 6 with Gloria Dobry 
    (open to families with children ages 6 & older) 
       Section d: July 20 with Phyllis Mertz
       Section e: August 3 with Gloria Dobry
       Section f: August 17 with Phyllis Mertz
     
    CALL 630-719-2468, Monday-Friday; 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
    VISIT The Visitor Center, daily during regular hours

    Normal admission fee applies.

    Not a member? Begin or renew a membership now.

     

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  • Summer Wildflower Walk

    Saturdays, June 8, July 13, August 10
    9:30 a.m. –noon

    Explore how colorful flowers and swaying grasses change from day to day in the prairies, woodlands, and wetlands. See details

    Bring your own field guide and hand lens if possible. 

    Saturdays, June 8, July 13, August 10
    9:30 a.m. –noon

    Member $18 (nonmember $26)

    Register NOW!

    ONLINE
         June 8, Prairie Visitor Station
         July 13, Prairie Visitor Station
         August 10, Parking Lot 8
    CALL 630-719-2468, Monday-Friday; 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
    VISIT The Visitor Center, daily during regular hours 

    Not a member? Join or renew now!

  • Solstice Sensations

    Friday, June 21
    7:00– 9:30 p.m.
    Thornhill Shelter

    Experience the longest day of the year aboard the Acorn Express, our open-air tram. Then share in seasonal favorites like s'mores, sliders, summer ale, and a campfire. See details

    Friday, June 21
    7:00– 9:30 p.m.
    Thornhill Shelter

    Note: Held entirely outdoors. Please dress for the weather.

    Member $34 (nonmember $40 )

    REGISTER NOW
    ONLINE
    CALL 630-719-2468, 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.

  • Gardening for Fragrance

    Saturday, July 13
    8:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.
    Thornhill Education Center

    Summer gardens can be a feast for all of our senses—including scent. See details

    Tour the Fragrance Garden and discover which plants offer the most appealing smells. Explore how incorporating fragrance alters the way we construct and appreciate gardens.

    Saturday, July 13
    8:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.
    Thornhill Education Center

    Member $35/nonmember $43

    REGISTER NOW
    ONLINE
    CALL 630-719-2468, Monday-Friday; 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
    VISIT
    The Visitor Center, daily during regular hours   

    Not a member? Join or renew now.

  • Potable Plants

    July 13 & 19, August 3 & 9, September 14 & 20
    Fridays: 5:30- 7:00 p.m.
    Saturdays: 4:30- 6:00 p.m.
    Visitor Center

    From wine to gin to coffee and tea, humans have found countless ways to derive beverages from woody plants. See details

    Take a summer evening open-air tram ride to discover which specimens in the Arboretum's collections are associated with spirited sipping and end the program with a thematic cocktail or refreshing iced tea.

    Note: Held entirely outdoors. Please dress for the weather.

    Potable Plants (N623)
    July 13 & 19, August 3 & 9, September 14 & 20
    Fridays: 5:30- 7:00 p.m.
    Saturdays: 4:30- 6:00 p.m. 
    Visitor Center 

    Member $19 (nonmember $22 )

    Registration begins April 15

    ONLINE
       Section a: Saturday, July 13, 4:30 - 6:00 p.m.
       Section b: Friday, July 19, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
       Section c: Saturday, August 3, 4:30 - 6:00 p.m.    
       Section d: Friday, August 9, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
       Section e: Saturday, September 14, 4:30 - 6:00 p.m.
       Section f: Friday, September 20, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
    CALL 630-719-2468, 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.

  • Garden Journaling

    Sunday, July 21
    11:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
    Thornhill Education Center

    Use photos, nature prints, and pressings to create an embellished sketchbook or journal, and learn to keep a record of what works in the garden and what doesn't.  See details

    Sunday, July 21
    11:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
    Thornhill Education Center

    Member $60/nonmember $71 

    REGISTER NOW

    ONLINE
    CALL 630-719-2468, Monday-Friday; 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
    VISIT
    The Visitor Center, daily during regular hours   

    Not a member? Join or renew today.

  • The Art of Bonsai

    Saturday, September 21 & Sunday, September 22
    10 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
    Visitor Center, Sycamore Room

      Discover the many varieties of trees or plants that can be dwarfed to an artistic shape by special methods of growing, pruning, and training.  See details

    Techniques for creating bonsai will be demonstrated by members of the Prairie State Bonsai Society. Bonsai and bonsai supplies will also be available for purchase. 

    Saturday, September 21 & Sunday, September 22
    10 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. 
    Visitor Center, Sycamore Room 

  • Beyond Buckthorn: Best Practices in Invasive Species Management Restoration Forum

    Saturday, September 13– Sunday, September 14
    Thornhill Education Center

    Threats from invasive species are some of the biggest challenges facing our natural areas today. Share your experiences and insights into invasive species management with other professionals at a two-day event at The Morton Arboretum. See details

    Saturday, September 13– Sunday, September 14
    Thornhill Education Center

    Registration opens June 1! For more information or to be placed on a mailing list for notifications about this event, please contact Tricia Bethke at tbethke@mortonarb.org.

    Join fellow restoration practitioners and professionals—natural resource managers, volunteer stewards, and industry partners—and explore practical strategies and new approaches to getting the upper hand on invasive species. Saturday, September 13, will be a full day of discussions and roundtables followed by field excursions on Sunday, September 14.

    Topics will include:

    • New invaders, their ecological impacts, and management practices
    • Site management strategies for tough invaders: Case studies and what really works
    • Management tips and tricks for our most challenging species
    • New approaches to herbicide application
    • Replanting strategies: Life after invasive control
    • Collaborative partners: Who will help me get the work done?
    • Networking opportunities


    Not a member? Join or renew now.