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Northern Illinois Iris Society ShowSaturday, June 1, 11:00 a.m.– 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 2, 10:00 a.m.– 5:00 p.m.
Sycamore RoomDiscover 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 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 PrairieNEW SECTION ADDED
Wednesday, May 22
5:30– 7:30 pm
Prairie Visitor StationStroll 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 StationMember $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 hoursNot a member? Begin or renew a membership now.
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Bird WalkSaturdays, June 1 & 15, July 6 & 20, August 3 & 17
8:00-10:30 a.m.
Thornhill Education CenterSearch 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 hoursNormal admission fee applies.
Not a member? Begin or renew a membership now.
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Summer Wildflower WalkSaturdays, June 8, July 13, August 10
9:30 a.m. –noonExplore 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. –noonMember $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 hoursNot a member? Join or renew now!
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Solstice SensationsFriday, June 21
7:00– 9:30 p.m.
Thornhill ShelterExperience 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 ShelterNote: 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 hoursNot a member? Begin or renew a membership now.
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Gardening for FragranceSaturday, July 13
8:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.
Thornhill Education CenterSummer 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 CenterMember $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 hoursNot a member? Join or renew now.
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Potable PlantsJuly 13 & 19, August 3 & 9, September 14 & 20
Fridays: 5:30- 7:00 p.m.
Saturdays: 4:30- 6:00 p.m.
Visitor CenterFrom 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 CenterMember $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 hoursNot a member? Begin or renew a membership now.
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Garden JournalingSunday, July 21
11:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
Thornhill Education CenterUse 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 CenterMember $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 hoursNot a member? Join or renew today.
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The Art of BonsaiSaturday, September 21 & Sunday, September 22
10 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
Visitor Center, Sycamore RoomDiscover 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 ForumSaturday, September 13– Sunday, September 14
Thornhill Education CenterThreats 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 CenterRegistration 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.
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.


