The Morton Arb

Trees & Gardens

Use our Interactive Collections Map and our Plant Collections Map to identify where plants are located on our grounds.

Explore our Plant Database

Integrated data of The Morton Arboretum's living collections, herbarium, interactive collections map, and photographs. Search database

Wildlife Management

Wildlife ManagementThe Arboretum's renowned collections of trees, shrubs, and other plants from around the world are displayed for our visitors to enjoy and study, and we evaluate them for use in landscapes and gardens.

At times, wildlife can damage or destroy plants in these valuable collections. To minimize damage and loss, the Arboretum manages its wildlife populations through the use of barrier fences and protective coverings. If necessary, we remove animals in accordance with Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) regulations.

White-tailed deer populations continue to be a problem elsewhere in the Chicago area, in our forest preserves, and in the Arboretum. Removals take place when the Arboretum is closed and pose no risk to our visitors. We use professionally approved marksmen to protect our plant collections by controlling, but not eliminating, the deer herds on our grounds.

Also in accordance with IDNR regulations, we donate any venison to an approved, charitable organization via a state-licensed processing facility.

Arboretum visitors always will be able to see deer on our grounds. Our officially permitted and monitored wildlife management program preserves the natural balance and the beauty of our plant collections.