The Morton Arb

Education

SPRING HIGHLIGHTS
Adults

Creative Pop-Up Books
Learn to make a whimsical nature-themed pop-up book.

Creating Your Perennial Garden
Select the best perennial plants for your garden location and shape.


Early Spring Arrangements with Forced Branches & Bulbs
Learn how to force bulbs and blooms to fill your house with spring color.


Spring Garden Party!
Be inspired by fresh ideas and new plants for the home garden.


Browse more >

View calendar >

Adult Printable Flyer
When you attend our Education Programs, you support the Arboretum's mission to plant and protect trees.

Adult Education Classes

A MYRIAD OF 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, 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.
  • Nature 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.


Search for programs in your area of interest.

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 sustainable landscaping, woodland management, and the latest research in root biology.

Proceedings from past symposia:

 

For more information, 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.

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. Our future offerings include:

 

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.

Or, consider distance learning options in Natural Resources and Horticulture through the University of Illinois. The Morton Arboretum cooperates with the University of Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences (NRES) to offer classes access to our grounds in partnership with ACES and the Office of Continuing Education.