Bring Back the Sun at the Annual Winter Solstice Walk
LISLE, IL (December 7, 2012) – While it may feel like winter already, the season officially starts on December 21, 2012, with the longest night of the year. Celebrate the changing seasons and help herald back the sun by joining The Morton Arboretum for our Winter Solstice Walk on Friday, December 21, from 6 to 7 p.m. This event is free with Arboretum admission.
Visitors will be greeted in Arbor Court by the Solstice King and Queen, who will illuminate them and name them Lords and Ladies of the Winter Solstice. Then the royal court will join a procession around Meadow Lake, a 0.6 mile walk that is lit, shoveled, and paved. Along the way the court will meet other noblemen and women who will share their stories and lead the court in activities. Finally, the court will gather to welcome the winter season and bring back the sun.
The Winter Solstice Walk gives families a unique opportunity to see nature in winter and at night. “We wanted to highlight the beauty of trees and nature in winter,” says Mary Samerdyke, Manager of Interpretation. “People associate Christmas trees with winter, but really there are many kinds of trees that have winter interest either for the tree itself or for its place in history or culture at this time of year.” The Morton Arboretum has held a Winter Solstice Walk annually since 2005.
Visitors are encouraged to come in their most festive winter attire. Plan to be outdoors.
About the winter solstice
The term solstice means “sun stands still.” Solstices occur twice a year (winter and summer), when the sun is at its farthest point from the tilting earth’s equator. Since ancient history, people have recognized this astronomical event.
The 2012 admission rates are:
$12/adult, ($8 on Wednesday), ages 18-64
$11/senior, ($7 on Wednesday), ages 65 and over
$9/child ($6 on Wednesday), ages 2-17
Under age 2 is free. Parking is free.
The Morton Arboretum is an internationally recognized outdoor tree museum on 1,700 acres. Plant collections, scientific research, and education programs support the mission to plant and conserve trees and other plants for a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world. Throughout natural landscapes are specialty gardens, 16 miles of trails, and nine miles of roads. Other offerings include tree-focused events, activities, and services for adults, children, professionals, and communities. The Arboretum welcomes 800,000 visitors annually and serves 34,000 member households. Located 25 miles west of Chicago in Lisle, Illinois, the Arboretum is open daily 7 a.m. until sunset. More information is available at www.mortonarb.org.
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