February 2013 Events

LISLE, IL (January 3, 2013) – Celebrate chocolate with The Morton Arboretum throughout the month of February!

FOR KIDS

Groundhog Daze
It's Groundhog Daze in the Children's Garden! Crawl through a tunnel and make a popup groundhog to take home. Join us 11 a.m.–4 p.m. February 2–3 in the Children's Garden. Free with admission.

Celebrating Chocolate – Kid's Cooking Class: Decorate & Build Your Own Candy House
Construct a small candy house using molded chocolate panels and Valentine's Day candy treats. Designed for ages 6 and up. Join us at noon, 12:45 or 1:30 p.m. February 10 in the Visitor Center. Purchase your tickets today at mortonarb.org, in the Visitor Center, or by calling 630-725-2066. Cost: $15 member, $20 nonmember.

Celebrating Chocolate – Kid's Cooking Class: Learn to Make a French Log Cake
Create a decadent chocolate log cake complete with meringue mushrooms and edible decorations. Kids will earn a Chocoholic Certificate and take home a chef’s hat and recipe. Join us at 11 a.m., 12:45 or 2:30 p.m. February 18 in the Visitor Center. Purchase your tickets today at mortonarb.org, in the Visitor Center, or by calling 630-725-2066. Cost: $22 member, $30 nonmember.

Cool Kids Winter Play
Kids, come join us for some outdoor fun. This fifteen minute guided glimpse into the world of outdoor play will depend on the day. Possibilities include snowman and snow fort building with natural materials or a garden scavenger hunt for natural objects. Join us at 11 a.m. or 1 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through February 2013 in the Children’s Garden. Weather permitting. Free with admission.

Gnome Hunt
Help us hunt for our hidden gnomes. Check out the sign at the Children’s Garden entrance for details on how to play along. The gnomes will be out to play daily, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. through February 2013. Free with admission.

Arbor Reading Adventures
Hear stories, create a craft, and take an adventure walk on our grounds. Join us in the Sterling Morton Library for this popular interactive story time. This event is designed for children ages 3 to 5 with an adult. Join us 11–11:45 a.m. Wednesdays and Fridays through March 2013 in the Sterling Morton Library. Register at mortonarb.org, in the Visitor Center, or by calling 630-719-2468. Cost: $4 member or $5 nonmember per session, per child.

Tree House Tales Exhibition
Every tree has a story that's waiting to be told! Enter our tree house village filled with adventure and imagination. Play, make believe, and become part of the trees' ever-changing tale. This exhibition, aimed at children ages 2 to 10 years old, is comprised of six fun-filled, educational tree houses. This exhibit is in our South China collection along Loop 1, approximately a four-block walk from the Visitor Center. Free with admission.

FOR FAMILIES

Bird House Workshop
Discover birds in winter on a short walk through the woods during our Bird House Workshop. Then each family will decorate a wooden bird house to take home. For families with children ages 2 to 10; strollers welcome. Join us 10–11 a.m. February 2 in the Thornhill Outpost. Purchase your tickets today at mortonarb.org, in the Visitor Center, or by calling 630-725-2468. Cost: $10 members, $17 nonmembers.

Chocolate Expo & Market
Just in time for Valentine's Day and Super Bowl Weekend! We are bringing together an array of chocolatiers. Sample classics including award-winning truffles and gourmet chocolate sauces or test your palate with chocolate salami and chocolate balsamic vinegar. Need more chocolate? Try chocolate filled strawberries, red velvet whoopee pies, or Argentinean alfojores. This year we are adding gluten free options. Chocolate treats are available for purchase, so pick up a Valentine’s gift, stock up for your Super Bowl party, or treat yourself. Plus, take part in our free presentations throughout the Expo:

• Chocolate Bean to Bar: Chef Kevin Roblee of Kokku Gourmet will make chocolate from the bean for everyone to taste.
• Do You Know Your Candy Bar? Family fun! Take a blind taste test and identify the chocolate bar

Join us 10 a.m.–4 p.m. February 2–3 in the Visitor Center. Free with admission. Free, timed presentation tickets are available first-come, first-served at the Chocolate Headquarters table in the Visitor Center the day of the presentations.

Brunch – Chicago’s Sweet Candy History, Revisited
Enjoy a chocolate-themed brunch while learning why Chicago has called itself the Candy Capital of America since the turn of the century. Historian and author Leslie Goddard will share the sweet history behind Chicago’s tasty treats. Join us 9:30–11 a.m. February 16 in the Ginkgo Room. Purchase your tickets today at mortonarb.org, in the Visitor Center, or by calling 630-725-2066. Cost: $25 member, $30 nonmember.

Owl Family Adventure
Have you ever seen a live raptor up close? Experts from SOAR (Save Our American Raptors) will be here to tell us all about their Awesome Owls. After their presentation we will dissect owl pellets and make a craft to take home. Join us 1–2:30 p.m. February 16 or 18 in Thornhill Education Center. Purchase your tickets today at mortonarb.org, in the Visitor Center, or by calling 630-725-2468. Cost: $10 member, $17 nonmember.

Snowshoe and Cross-country Ski at The Morton Arboretum
Explore the grounds of The Morton Arboretum via snowshoes or cross-country skis on days with 4 or more inches of snow on the ground. Equipment is available for rent in the Arbor Court or bring your own. Cross-country ski rental fees for two hours: $13 member, $15 nonmember. Cross-country ski rental fees for all day: $18 member, $20 nonmember for all day. Snowshoe rental fees for two hours: $10 member (11 years and older), $8 member child (10 years and younger), $12 non-member (11 years and older), $10 non-member child (10 years and younger). Snowshoe rental fees for all day: $14 member (11 years and older), $12 member child (10 years and younger), $16 nonmember (11 years and older), $14 nonmember child (10 years and younger).

FOR ADULTS

Celebrating Chocolate – Truffle Making Party
Learn how to create chocolate truffles like the pros, with unusual, gourmet flavor combinations. Plus, enjoy wine and light refreshment. Take home a gift box of up to six truffles, a $15 value. Join us at 5, 6:30 or 8 p.m. February 1 in the Thornhill Education Center.  Purchase your tickets today at mortonarb.org, in the Visitor Center, or by calling 630-725-2066. Cost: $35 member, $40 nonmember.

Chamber Concert: Third Coast Percussion
Third Coast Percussion uses an impressive array of percussion instruments to create the energy of a rock concert with the precision and sophistication of classical chamber music. After the concert, sample wines and "meet and greet" the artists in the historic Founder's Room. Join us 2:15–4:15 p.m. February 3 in the Thornhill Education Center. Purchase your tickets at mortonarb.org, in the Visitor Center, or by calling 630-725-2066. Cost: $23 member, $28 nonmember.

Member Teas
Back by popular demand—the Arboretum's traditional afternoon teas! Members choose from a selection of specialty teas while enjoying petite sandwiches, scones, desserts, and live harp music in the beautiful Founder's Room, the library of the former Morton family mansion. Join us 12:30 p.m. February 6, 13, 20, or 27 in the Thornhill Education Center. Call 630-719-5008 for tickets. Cost: $40 ($45 with a glass of champagne). Members only.

Lunch and Learn – The Trees in Your Town
What does your urban forest look like? Join Lydia Scott from the Arboretum's Community Trees office to discover what we learned from our regional tree census, including forestry practices in local communities and what this means for the future of our communities’ trees. Join us 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. February 7 in the Visitor Center. Purchase your tickets today at mortonarb.org, in the Visitor Center, or by calling 630-725-2468. Cost: $22 members, $29 nonmembers. Fee includes buffet lunch.

Shrubs that Fit
Trying to find the perfect shrub for your yard? Discover compact, tough, adaptable shrubs that are well suited to Midwestern landscapes. Learn the identification and culture of landscape superstars as well as some unusual selections. We will include shrubs for different light and moisture situations, shrubs that add seasonal interests, and shrubs which stood up to last year's drought. Join us 6:30–8:30 p.m. February 7 in Thornhill Education Center. Purchase your tickets today at mortonarb.org, in the Visitor Center, or by calling 630-725-2468. Cost: $22 members, $26 nonmembers.

Celebrating Chocolate – Cooking Class: Valentine’s Dinner
In this hands-on cooking class, learn how to make a classic Valentine's Day Dinner for your sweetheart, family, or friends. We will conclude by tasting our dishes along with the perfect wine. Join us 5–8 p.m. February 9 in the Ginkgo Restaurant. Purchase your tickets today at mortonarb.org, in the Visitor Center, or by calling 630-725-2066. Cost: $55 member, $60 nonmember.

Around the World in 80 Trees
Study the striking silhouettes, bark patterns, leaf scars, winter buds, and other characteristics that give trees significant winter interest. Note: Includes winter hiking on trails. Please dress to spend time outdoors. Join us 1–4 p.m. February 10 in the Research Center. Purchase your tickets today at mortonarb.org, in the Visitor Center, or by calling 630-725-2468. Cost: $16 member, $23 nonmember.

Celebrating Chocolate – Mousse au Chocolat: The Ultimate Decadence
Create this timeless, decadent dessert in a hands-on class with Chef Laura Valcour of Chefs for a Day. Registrants must be at least 18 years old. Join us at noon, 1:45, or 3:30 p.m. February 10 in the Thornhill Education Center. Purchase your tickets today at mortonarb.org, in the Visitor Center, or by calling 630-725-2066. Cost: $32 member, $37 nonmember.

Valentine's Day – Woods, Wildlife, and Wine
Celebrate Valentine's Day with a winter walk through the West Side. Hike to Lake Marmo, explore the conifers, and wind around the trail back to the Shelter for a roaring fire, wine, and appetizers. Join us 6:30–9 p.m. February 14 and please dress for the weather. Purchase your tickets today at mortonarb.org, in the Visitor Center, or by calling 630-725-2468. Cost: $29 member, $34 nonmember.

Bird Walk
If you've always wanted to learn about birds and weren't sure where to start, this is the program for you! Explore the winter landscape with an expert guide, learn to identify the birds that overwinter in Illinois, and discuss their behaviors and natural history. Join us 9–11:30 a.m. February 16 at Thornhill Education Center. Please bring binoculars and a field guide if you have them and dress for exploring in winter weather. Purchase your tickets today at mortonarb.org, in the Visitor Center, or by calling 630-725-2468. Cost: $8 member, $10 nonmember.

Celebrating Chocolate – The Botany of Chocolate
Discover the botanical origins of chocolate! Learn the botany and natural history of the cacao plant and taste varieties of chocolate. Join us 1–3 p.m. February 16 at Thornhill Education Center. Purchase your tickets today at mortonarb.org, in the Visitor Center, or by calling 630-725-2468. Cost: $22 member, $29 nonmember.

Celebrating Chocolate – Wine & Chocolate Pairing Class
The experts at Kokku Gourmet will show us why wine and chocolate complement one another so well. Together we will sample and savor the nuances of five wine and chocolate pairings. Then try out a variety of gourmet items including chocolates, sweets, and seasonal fruit. Participants must be 21 and older. Join us at 5 p.m. February 17 in the Ginkgo Room. Purchase your tickets today at mortonarb.org, in the Visitor Center, or by calling 630-725-2066. Cost: $22 member, $27 nonmember.

Wednesday, Woods, and Wine
Every Wednesday, 5:30–8 p.m. February 20–March 27, unwind at the Arboretum while enjoying a glass of wine and live music while looking out on a stunning view of the winter landscape. Partake in a complimentary cheese buffet, plus a menu offering an assortment of small plates to purchase. Join us in the Visitor Center. Cost: $10 member, $15 nonmember. For nonmembers, Arboretum admission fee is waived after 5 p.m.

Lunch and Learn – Linneaus at Lunch
Why do plants have three names? On this adventure in nomenclature, we will explore the meanings of plant names. Learn how well known plants got their names, discover intriguing meanings in the Latin and Greek words that are the roots of the names, and relate them to English words. Join us 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. February 21 in the Visitor Center. Purchase your tickets today at mortonarb.org, in the Visitor Center, or by calling 630-725-2468. Cost: $22 members, $29 nonmembers. Fee includes buffet lunch.

Celebrating Chocolate – Beer & Chocolate Pairing Class
Two Brothers Brewing Company and Graham’s Chocolate will present five sweet and savory pairings, including a beer ice cream float! Participants must be 21 and older. Join us at 5 p.m. February 24 in the Ginkgo Room. Purchase your tickets today at mortonarb.org, in the Visitor Center, or by calling 630-725-2066. Cost: $35 member, $40 nonmember.

Gardening Do’s and Don’ts
What common mistakes do most gardeners make? What easy tips for success do many gardeners miss? In this lively program, learn the top 10 lists of gardening "do's and don'ts." Get expert tips on plant culture, perennial selection, planting and garden design, amending soils, watering, plant spacing, what to buy and much more. Join us 6:30–8:30 p.m. February 27 in the Thornhill Education Center. Purchase your tickets today at mortonarb.org, in the Visitor Center, or by calling 630-725-2468. Cost: $22 members, $26 nonmembers.

Vanishing Acts: Trees Under Threat Exhibit
Come learn about the gifts that the world's endangered trees give us—and how you can join the Arboretum in saving them. This award-winning outdoor exhibit shows how the trees that we know and love are endangered in the wild. By protecting them, we help ourselves and the entire planet. Vanishing Acts was developed by The Morton Arboretum. The exhibit is located in the Conifer Collection, just a short stroll off the Conifer Walk. Free with admission.

OUR SPONSORS

Navistar, Presenting Sponsor of the Children’s Garden; Sara Lee Foundation, Contributing Sponsor of Tree House Tales; Target, Sponsor of “Garden Story Time”; Edy’s Ice Cream, Youth and Family Sponsor; and the Illinois Arts Council, Supporter of Arts Programs.

ADMISSION

Unless otherwise specified, all Arboretum events and destinations including the Children’s Garden are free with Arboretum admission. Parking is free with admission. The 2013 rates for nonmembers 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; and under age 2 is free.

ABOUT THE MORTON ARBORETUM

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 or 630-968-0074.

# # #

Media Contact: Sarah Clark | This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it | 630-719-5768