April 2013 Events
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THE MORTON ARBORETUM: APRIL CALENDAR OF EVENTS
LISLE, IL (February 15, 2013) – Celebrate The Morton Arboretum’s signature holiday, Arbor Day, with a 10K run, EcoFest, tree planting and much more.
FOR KIDS
We Heart Trees
Do you love trees? Learn cool facts about trees and plant a tree seed to take home in honor of Arbor Day, April 26. Visit the Children's Garden weekends in April from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (weather permitting) to discover some of the wonderful products trees give us. Then make a recycled plant container out of newspaper and plant a tree seed to take home and watch grow! Free with admission.
Treasures from Trash
Recycling can be fun! Kids will play fun games and make a recycled craft to take home in this hands-on, self-guided activity. Join us weekdays in April from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Children's Garden (weather permitting). Free with admission.
Arbor Weekend Celebration
Plant tree seeds, investigate tree cookies and go on a hunt for five unique trees throughout the garden. Join us April 26-April 28, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Children's Garden. Free with admission.
Tree Planting and Story Time with Curious George
Celebrate Arbor Day with story time and a tree planting alongside Curious George and the man in the yellow hat. Join us April 26, 11-11:45 a.m. in the Children's Garden. Free with admission.
Arbor Reading
Gather in the Children's Garden for story time. Join us Fridays, April-May from 11 to 11:20 a.m. in the Children's Garden (weather permitting). Free with Arboretum admission.
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
Flower Petal Tea Party
Calling all mothers and daughters! Celebrate spring with some sweet treats and a cup of tea brewed from flowers. Discover which flowers make the best teas, and plant some seeds in containers to take home. Join us April 21 from 2-3:30 p.m. Register at mortonarb.org/calendar, in the Visitor Center or by calling 630-725-2468. Cost: $20 member, $28 nonmember including admission.
EcoFest
Stop by our EcoFest and meet the experts from EcoMyths who will bust some common ecological misconceptions. Join us April 21 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free with admission.
Family Explorer Backpack
Grab a family explorer backpack and embark on an educational adventure through the Children's Garden. Choose between Sensory or Discover Backpacks filled with science tools, guides and fun props for families with children ages 2-6. Backpacks are available daily, April-October, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Children’s Garden. Cost: $4 member, $5 nonmember per backpack. Backpacks available on a first-come, first-served basis. Purchase tickets at the Visitor Center Information Desk.
Acorn Express Adventures
Join us on the Acorn Express, our open-air tram, as we seek out fun destinations and make a craft each week. Join us Wednesdays and Fridays, April-October (except for April 26), from 11 to 11:45 a.m. Cost: $4 member, $5 nonmember plus admission. Purchase tickets at the Visitor Center Information Desk (weather permitting).
Tales and Treasures
The Sterling Morton Library is turning 50! To celebrate, the Tales and Treasures exhibit will showcase 50 rare and unique objects from the library's collections, each with a special story to tell. Engage with rarely seen objects, interactive games and a library-wide scavenger hunt. Then, imagine what the next 50 years might hold. Join us through December 28, 2013. Free with Arboretum admission, open during regular library hours.
FOR ADULTS
Elements of Japanese Gardening
What are the elements of Japanese garden that we find so calming and peaceful? Jim Doyle, bonsai specialist, will explain the history, symbolism and composition that incorporate plants, stone, water and the viewer in a harmonious garden. Learn the time-honored techniques of design and maintenance and understand the spiritual and philosophical aspect that Japanese gardens stimulate. Join us April 4 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Register by calling 630-725-2468. Cost: $20 member, $26 nonmember including admission.
Bird Walk
Identify birds that overwinter in Illinois. Discuss bird behavior and natural history during this guided walk. Join us on April 6 and 20 from 8 to 11:30 a.m. Purchase your tickets today at mortonarb.org/calendar, in the Visitor Center or by calling 630-725-2468. Cost: $8 members, $10 nonmembers plus admission.
Nature Artists’ Guild Spring Exhibition
Admire more than 150 nature-inspired, original works of art in a variety of media. Many pieces are inspired by the grounds of The Morton Arboretum. Artists will be demonstrating and sharing their techniques throughout the show. Join us April 6-7 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free with Arboretum admission.
Beginner’s Nature Drawing Workshop: Colored Pencil
Create a colored pencil drawing of nature with artist Connie Devendorf and stroll through the Nature Artists' Guild Spring Exhibit. Join us April 6 or April 7 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. No experience necessary. Register at mortonarb.org/calendar, in the Visitor Center or by calling 630-725-2468. Cost: $35 member, $42 nonmember including supplies and admission.
Arbor Day 10K
Experience the sights, sounds and smells of a springtime morning during the Arbor Day 10K. Our challenging USATF-certified course follows the East Side main route through rolling terrain and is timed using the ChronoTrack B-Tag system. Awards will be given for the top overall male and female winner plus top three male and female winners in each age division. Join us April 21. Packet pick-up and registration opens at 6:30 a.m. The race starts at 8 a.m. Register at mortonarb.org (by 6 p.m. on April 18) or in the Visitor Center, daily during regular hours (by noon on April 17). Cost: $30 member, $35 nonmember, $40 day-of registration including admission, a technical shirt and recovery food.
Garden with Fewer Pesticides
Discover chemical-free management methods, learn if and when pesticides might be needed and apply Integrated Pest Management techniques to your home landscape. Join us April 24 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Register at mortonarb.org/calendar, in the Visitor Center or by calling 630-725-2468. Cost: $25 member, $29 nonmember including admission.
Arbor Day Plant Sale
Choose from more than 300 unique varieties of plants available for purchase at the Arbor Day Plant Sale. Select from old favorites and recently introduced hybrids specifically selected to thrive in our climate and difficult to find at garden shops. Discover new-to-market trees, shrubs and perennials that are recommended by our experts. Arboretum "Plant Geniuses" will be on hand to answer your gardening and landscape questions. Join us April 27 from noon to 4 p.m. or April 28 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission fees apply.
Spring Woodland Wildflowers
One of the pleasures of spring is watching woodland wildflowers emerge; especially the trilliums, mayapples and dog-tooth violets. On April 27 from 9:30 a.m. to noon, join us as we wander through the ever-changing array of blooms with Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Ranger, Susan Lawrence. Learn to identify these wildflowers and hear about their folklore. Register at mortonarb.org, in the Visitor Center or by calling 630-725-2468. Cost: $18 member, $25 nonmember, includes admission.
Around the World in 80 Trees
Travel around the world through trees. Join us April 28 from 9 a.m. to noon as we meet 20 of spring's most spectacular specimens in a seasonal profusion of fragrant blossoms and emerging leaves. Register at mortonarb.org, in the Visitor Center or by calling 630-725-2468. Cost: $18 member, $25 nonmember, includes admission.
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, Children’s Garden Drop-In & Family Adventure Sponsor; Sara Lee Foundation, Tree House Tales Contributing 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.
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