February Events

SWEET FEBRUARY EVENTS AT THE MORTON ARBORETUM

Celebrating Chocolate:  Events………………………………………………………………………

LISLE, IL (December 12, 2011) – Chocolate all around you! The “Chocolate Expo” showcases Chicago-area chocolatiers who put their best chocolate products out for you to sample and purchase.  All ages. Free with Arboretum admission. Visitor Center.
February 4 and 5: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

We love chocolate! So much so that the Arboretum Store has a flurry of chocolate-themed products available in the store. Come see what wonderful items come from chocolate. All ages. Costs per item. The Arboretum Store.
Daily in February: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Tiny but mighty! The “Chocolate” is a mini display highlighting the growing, harvesting and production process of chocolate. After shopping for chocolate items in the Arboretum Store or warming up with a hot cup of cocoa after a nice walk, take a look at this kiosk to learn about chocolate and its relationship to trees. All ages. Free with Arboretum admission. Visitor Center.
Daily in February: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Create a perfect Valentine’s gift for your sweetheart, your friends or just for you! The “Truffle Making Workshop” teaches you the secret to making this chocolate favorite. Make your friends jealous by learning how to design your own truffles and choosing the perfect toppings such as sugar and spice, nuts, coconuts, dried fruits and more. Ages 16 and up. Costs $28 (discounts for Arboretum members). Tickets available January 2, 2012. Space is limited. Register at www.mortonarb.org/chocolate or call 630-725-2066.
February 11: 11 a.m.; 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.

Sushi and chocolate...oh yes! At the “Chocolate Sushi” workshop you will learn how to make sushi with bittersweet chocolate, basmati rice, coconut milk, dark rum, strawberries, kiwi and mangos. And yes, there will be types of chocolates to sample. Dazzle your friends with this new kind of treat and impress them with the history of chocolate, your chocolate certificate, chef’s hat and recipes! Ages 18 and up. Costs $37 (discounts for Arboretum members). Tickets available January 2, 2012. Register at www.mortonarb.org/chocolate or call 630-725-2066.  Space limited.
February 12: 11 a.m.; 12:30 p.m.; 2 p.m.

What is the cacao plant? Discover the fascinating history and science of chocolate in “The Botany of Chocolate” while sampling different chocolate varieties. Learn about the botany and natural history of cacao, as well as its role in the cultures that use the plant. Adults. Costs $29 (discounts for Arboretum members). Register via Education at www.mortonarb.org/education or call 630-719-2468. Visitor Center.
February 18: 1 - 3 p.m.

Make a chocolate creation! “Kid’s Chocolate ‘Pizza’ Party” lets the little guys and gals get their hands into some yummy chocolate. Make some magic with a chocolate pizza covered in a variety of candy toppings. Dip pretzels too! The newly proclaimed chocolatiers will have a chocolate pizza  to bring home. Ages 4 - 8. Costs $15 (discounts for Arboretum members). Tickets available January 2, 2012. Space limited. Register at www.mortonarb.org/chocolate or call 630-725-2066.  Visitor Center.
February 19: 11 a.m.; 12:30 p.m.; and 2 p.m.

Light, fluffy and chocolaty! “Kid’s Chocolate Crepe Workshop” lets your kid make chocolate crepes with fresh berries and homemade whip cream. Don’t worry, it is educational too! They will learn about the history of chocolate and taste some samples. Each kid receives a chocolate certificate, a chef’s hat and recipes to continue their culinary experience at home. Ages 8 - 15. Costs $30 (discounts for Arboretum members). Tickets available January 2, 2012. Space limited. Register at www.mortonarb.org or call 630-725-2066.  Visitor Center.
February 20: 11 a.m.; 12:30 p.m.; and 2 p.m.

Fan of Frango Mints or Dove Chocolates? Enjoy a chocolate-themed brunch while learning about “Chicago’s Sweet Candy History”.  Historian and author, Leslie Goddard, explains why Chicago has called itself the Candy Capital of America since the turn of the century. Adults. Costs $28 (discounts for Arboretum members). Register via www.mortonarb.org/chocolate or call 630-725-2066.  Ginkgo Restaurant.
February 25: 9:30 - 11 a.m.

Beer and chocolate- nuff said! “Chocolate and Beer Pairings” shows how chocolates can  pair perfectly with speciality beers from Leinenkugel Brewing Company. Sample each pairing to discover which pairs are your favorites. Ages 21 and up. Costs $35 (discounts for Arboretum members). Register via www.mortonarb.org/chocolate or call 630-725-2066.  Ginkgo Restaurant.
February 26: 3 - 5 p.m.

Other February Events:
Magnolia species are among our most ancient tree species. They have survived millions of years of climate and geological turmoil and change. Learn more about the magnolias and other threatened trees and how you can help in “Vanishing Acts: Trees Under Threat.” Debuting at the Arboretum and traveling to other cultural institutions across the U.S., this exhibit aims to raise awareness of how some trees are struggling to survive.  All ages. Free with Arboretum admission. Conifer Collection.
Now- September 2, 2012

Follow the adventures of Joy the Gnome! Search for Joy the gnome and his friends hiding up high in the Children's Garden this winter in “Gnome Hunt.” Scout out the 15 gnomes including Joy the Gnome in his new home. This is a self-guided discovery activity. All ages. Children's Garden. Free with Arboretum admission.
November 1-February 29: 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m. (weather permitting)

Part designer, planner, social reformer, conservationist and artist! Explore the world of one of America's most influential landscape architects with “Jens Jensen: Landscapes for People.” See original landscape drawings, archival photographs, and modern color photographs of Jensen’s ideas. Learn the impact of landscapes he presented in his 1939 book, ‘Siftings.’ Discover how Jensen has helped shape the landscape of the Chicago area by capturing the horizontal lines of the prairie while providing places for people to find relaxation, restoration, and renewal in nature. Adults. Free with Arboretum admission. Sterling Morton Library.
Now- September 1, 2012: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Tuesday–Friday; 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Saturday

A magical reading adventure! “Arbor Reading Adventures” offers your kids an interactive story time and fun crafts indoors before your young adventurers head out on the grounds for a winter walk! Themes change each week. Suggested for ages 3-5; adults must accompany children. Costs $5 plus gate fee (discounts for Arboretum members). Register via Education at www.mortonarb.org/education or call 630-719-2468.  Sterling Morton Library.
Wednesdays and Fridays December - March: 11 – 11:45 a.m.

Get your kids away from all the electronics and send them outdoors for an afternoon adventure at “Cool Kids Winter Play.” Bundle up and experience a 15-minute guided glimpse into a winter wonderland with activities such as building snow forts, snowmen and a garden scavenger hunt. All ages. Free with Arboretum admission. The Children’s Garden.
Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays December - February: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. (weather permitting)

Take a journey through the natural world on your lunch break! “Lunch and Learn” lets you advance your nature knowledge while enjoying a tasty buffet lunch. This week’s lunch topic is ‘Prairie Restoration: Does it work?’ Led by Marlin Bowles, Plant Conservation Biologist and Bryant Scharenbroch, Urban Soil Scientist, this lunch will present how, after 50 years, the Schulenberg Prairie matches up to other constructed and natural prairies. Adults. Costs $29 including lunch buffet (discounts for Arboretum members). Register via Education at www.mortonarb.org/education or call 630-719-2468. Ginkgo Restaurant.
February 1: 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Love classic film and photography? “Film Noir and the Still Photo” combines these two passions! Discuss legendary 1940s film noir with photographers Willard Clay and Chris Aquino and view the first film of this genre Citizen Kane. Then learn how to apply these techniques to your still photography. Costs $209 (discounts for Arboretum members). Adults. Register via Education at www.mortonarb.org/education or call 630-719-2468. Thornhill Education Center.
Wednesdays, February 1 – 29: 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Go hog wild! “It’s Groundhog Day” wanders through the world of groundhogs. Meet a groundhog puppet, search for signs of groundhogs, and then make a fun groundhog craft to take home. Children ages 4-5 with an adult. Costs $25 per child (discounts for Arboretum members). Register via Education at www.mortonarb.org/education or call 630-719-2468. Thornhill Education Center.
February 2: 9:30- 11 a.m.

Hear the songs of the forest! “Making Wood Sing: The Craft and Science of Lutherie” shows you how different woods are used in the construction of guitars, violins and dulcimers. See how maple, mahogany, rosewood, spruce and other woods are cut, prepared and worked by a string instrument artisan. You even participate in demonstrations of instrument construction techniques, and hear music performed.  After, you will put your new found knowledge to the test and construct a simple wooden xylophone to take home. Ages 9-16 welcome with an adult registrant. Costs $78 (discounts for Arboretum members). Register via Education at www.mortonarb.org/education or call 630-719-2468. Thornhill Education Center.
February 4: 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Just getting into gardening? Need new ideas for what to plant this spring? “Plants for New Gardeners” is the class for you! Marcy Stewart-Pyziak, garden designer and horticulturist at The Gardener’s Tutor, uses her extensive plant experience to recommend a wide selection of great trees, shrubs and flowers for Midwestern gardens.  Perfect for the beginner or those who want a little bit more information. Adults. Costs $29 (discounts for Arboretum members). Register via Education at www.mortonarb.org/education or call 630-719-2468. Thornhill Education Center.
February 4: 1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

High energy and musically exciting! A fantastic afternoon with the ‘Metropolis Quartet,’ this month’s “Chamber Concert,” is what awaits you. See a versatile group of musicians redefine chamber music for a new age. This group performs work by the major composers such as Mozart, and J.C. Bach, as well as lesser known works by composers of all periods mixed with their own arrangements. You’ll enjoy this sparkling combo of compositions, memorable melodies and converstation between the musicians and the audience. Afterwards attend a reception in the historic Founder’s Room where you can chat with the artists and fellow attendees. Adults. Costs $28 (discounts for Arboretum members). Purchase tickets online at www.mortonarb.com or call 630-725-2066. Thornhill Education Center.
February 5: 2:15 - 4:15 p.m.

What happens in the woods after dark? Take a “Nature Discovery Night Hike” and learn about the nocturnal side of nature. You will take a night hike exploring the tree forms, listening for the sounds of the evening. Then warm up with hot drinks and s’mores by a roaring fire while listening to and sharing stories. Adults. Costs $26 (discounts for Arboretum members). Register via Education at www.mortonarb.org/education or call 630-719-2468. Thornhill Outpost.
February 11: 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

You hear about climate change in the weather, but what does in mean to the plant world? This week’s “Lunch and Learn” discusses ‘The Role of Plant Exploration in a Changing World.’ Discover how as our climate changes, new pests and diseases emerge causing a need for more adaptable plants. Veteran plant explorer and collector, Kris Bachtell, shares his experience and explains how plant exploration to remote parts of the world is as important as ever to meet these challenges.  Adults. Costs $29 including lunch buffet (discount for Arboretum members). Register via Education at www.mortonarb.org/education or call 630-719-2468. Visitor Center.
February 15: 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

So you want to know more about birds, but aren’t sure where to start? “Winter Bird Walks” are for you. Walk the winter landscape with an expert guide learning to identify the birds that endure the blustery Chicagoland weather in the Arboretum. Discuss their behaviours and natural history, and meet people who share your budding interest in birds. A pair of binoculars and a field guide may come in handy. Adults. Costs $10 plus the gate fee (discounts for Arboretum members). Register via Education at www.mortonarb.org/education or call 630-719-2468. Thornhill Education Center.
February 18 and March 17: 8 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Prepare for the spring time! The “Plan Your Landscape” three-part series helps you design a landscape for your home. In “Creating Outdoor Spaces,” understand how to unify your house with your site and add curb appeal with plants and hardscape materials.  Adults. Costs $184 (discounts for Arboretum members.) Register via Education at www.mortonarb.org/education or call 630-719-2468.Thornhill Education Center.
February 18 - March 17: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Snow and ice are fun! “Winterize Your Play” shows your child the amazing things you can sculpt with ice and snow. They will get to play outside and create some BIG art - a snow snake used in a Northern Ojibwa game. Before their little fingers get too cold, they will come inside and warm up with hot apple cider. Agest 4 - 5 with an adult. Costs $25 per child (discounts for Arboretum members). Register via Education at www.mortonarb.org/education or call 630-719-2468. Thornhill Outpost.
February 11 and 21: 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.  

Make friends with screech owls! The “Family Owl Adventure” introduces your family to two rescued screech owls. Explore the lives of these nocturnal birds, hear the story of how they ended up at the rescue center and talk with their handlers. Then dissect an owl pellet, touch real talons and skulls before making an owl craft to take home. Ages 2 and up. Costs $16 per person  (discounts for Arboretum members.) Register via Education at www.mortonarb.org/education or call 630-719-2468.Thornhill Education Center.
February 18 and 20 (Presidents Day): 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Sweet fun! “Maple Tapping Time and Pancake Picnic” creates happy, winter-time memories. Bundle up and see how maple syrup goes from the tree to the kitchen. Learn about this treat’s rich history, how a maple tree is tapped and even taste some sap straight out of the trunk! After have a yummy pancake and maple bacon picnic next to a cozy fire. All ages. Costs $25 per person (discounts for Arboretum members). Register via Education at www.mortonarb.org/education or call 630-719-2468. Thornhill Shelter and Outpost.
February 25, March 3 and 10: 10 a.m. - noon

Love Vanishing Acts: Trees Under Threat? Then you will love this “Lunch and Learn.” ‘Behind the Scenes of the Vanishing Acts Exhibit’ introduces you to the surprising challenges, the moving victories and all the ups-and-downs that come with putting together an important exhibit. Led by exhibit developer, Leslie Goddard, this lunchtime treat will also introduce you to some of the world’s rarest, most endangered trees. Adults. Costs $29 including lunch buffet (discounts for Arboretum members). Ginkgo Restaurant.
February 29: 11:30 a.m. - 1p.m.

Interested in the future health and conservation of our region’s woodlands? Become a woodland steward! This comprehensive program gives you all the skills and background you need to begin managing natural areas around Chicagoland. This free orientation session outlines the program requirements, how much volunteer work is involved, what classes are needed, and any other questions you may have. Take time and give back to nature. Adults. Thornhill Education Center.
February 29: 6:30 - 8 p.m.

The Morton Arboretum gratefully acknowledges generous support from: Navistar: Presenting Sponsor of the Children’s Garden, UPM–The Biofore Company: Contributing Sponsor of Vanishing Acts; Wente Family Estates, the featured Wine Sponsor of the Arboretum; Cabot Cheese for their in-kind support of the Chamber Concerts; Lisle Convention and Visitors Bureau, the featured hotel sponsor; Edy’s Ice Cream; REI; Illinois Arts Council, and Target.

Unless otherwise specified, all Arboretum events and destinations including the Children’s Garden are free with Arboretum admission.

The 2012 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 a world-renowned leader in tree science and education, working to save and plant trees. The 1,700-acre outdoor museum features magnificent collections of 4,128 kinds of trees, shrubs, and other plants from around the world. The Arboretum's beautiful natural landscapes, gardens, research and education programs, and year-round family activities support its mission – the planting and conservation of trees and other plants for a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world. Conveniently located at I-88 and Rte. 53 in Lisle, Illinois, the Arboretum is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year, from 7 a.m. Central Time until sunset. The Children's Garden is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., March through October, and 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., November through February. Visit Press Room at www.mortonarb.org, call to learn more.

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Allison Phelps Ι 630.719.5768 Ι 773.724.1385 Ι This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it