MYRIAD WAYS TO ENRICH YOUR LIFE.

1. Start the hobby you always wanted. Attend our "New to Nature" Programs.

Satisfy your curiosity about trees, gardening trends, art in nature, and more with mini workshops, lunch and learn discussions, guided walks, and field trips led by respected local experts. These events are often held on weekends or evenings to accommodate nature-enthusiasts who work fulltime. Discover more and enroll.

2. Take a class. Now’s the time.

Invest in yourself, express creativity, and deepen your understanding of nature in our adult classes. Morton Arboretum master educators lead classes all year long on numerous subjects, including:

Horticulture and Gardening Create the “wow” garden you always dreamed of.
Natural History Get to know the flora and fauna in your neighborhood.
Botanical Art See nature through an artist’s eyes.
Nature Photography Capture images of nature worthy of framing.
Ornithology Recognize backyard visitors.
Woodland Stewardship Help conserve community forests.
Seminars and Zone 5 Science Cafe's Explore hot topics of environmental interest.

Search for programs in your area of interest. To register for classes by phone, please call the Registrar's Office at 630-719-2468.

COLLEGE & PROFESSIONAL SELF-GUIDED FIELD TRIPS

Interested in a guided experience or a tour with a staff member? For more information click here or contact Education Registrar at 630-719-2468.

3. Become an expert. Get certified.

Dig deeper into a topic you love through our highly regarded certificate programs. Choose a certificate program (featured below) and complete an integrated study program, using core classes to build knowledge and electives to develop areas of interest. Certificate courses are open to everyone, whether or not you're pursuing the certificate. Most nature-enthusiasts obtain their certificate in one-and-a-half to two years.

4. Advance your career.

Further your knowledge of tree science and horticulture practice with in-depth workshops, seminars and symposia led by respected local and national professionals. Past topics have included urban tree health, sustainable landscaping, woodland and prairie management, and the latest research in root biology.

Proceedings from past symposia:

Tree Risk Assessment: The Biomechanics of Stability, Strength and Structure (2012)
Tallgrass Prairie Restoration in the 21st Century (2012)
Coping with the Costs: The Economic, Social, and Environmental Impact of Invasive Insects on Communities (2009)
The Landscape Below Ground (2008)

For more information about seminars and symposia, please contact the Registrar's Office at 630-719-2468 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

5. Pursue an academic degree

Enrolled in college? Take cooperative college botany classes at The Morton Arboretum. Each semester, the Arboretum offers upper division courses in plant diversity, soil science, plant-insect interactions, and more. Our courses are available for college credit at 12 Chicago-area colleges and universities through our partnership with the Associated Colleges of the Chicago Area (A.C.C.A.). Graduate credit is available for selected courses. For more information about college courses, contact Megan Dunning at The Morton Arboretum, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 630-725-2101.

Our future offerings include:

Spring 2013: Economic Botany
Fall 2013: Woody Plants of the Great Lakes Region

Past offerings include:

Fall 2012: Introduction to Soil Science
Spring 2012: Plant-Animal Interactions

Register today!

For additional information about classes or to register, please browse our current class listings or please contact the Registrar's Office at 630-719-2468 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The Morton Arb

Education

CLASS HIGHLIGHTSAdults