January Events
WINTER FUN AT THE MORTON ARBORETUM
An Exciting Huskey Heroes Weekend; Magical Music; and Great Winter Activities
LISLE, IL (October 4, 2011) –
Husky Heroes (Dogsled Spectacular, Meet the Huskies, Husky Legacy)
Sit, stay and watch incredibly talented Siberian husky sled dogs show their skills during the “Dogsled Spectacular.” The dogs and their owners put on a thrilling display of dog sledding in a gorgeous field with majestic trees. Some of the dogs partner with a “best friend” on skis and demonstrate their talents in skijoring. Afterward, visitors can reward these sweet and docile beauties with a belly rub! Dress for the weather. Free with Arboretum admission. Please note: pets are not permitted at the Arboretum. All ages, Visitor Center area.
January 28 and 29: 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Help a husky find its forever family. “Meet the Huskies” that only want a loving home. Adopt A Husky, Inc. will be onsite with some of the darlings that are available to adopt. Visitors can fill out an application if they are interested in one of the beautiful animals. Can’t adopt? Adopt a Husky is also looking for foster families. All ages, Visitor Center.
January 28 and 29: 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
More than your average dog! Learn how the amazing husky has forged its own role in Alaskan history during “Husky Legacy.” This presentation tells the story of how huskies helped humans in the Alaskan wilderness in the early twentieth century. Watch the film, The Last Great Race to discover more about huskies. Limited complimentary tickets are available at the Visitor Center one hour prior to show. All ages, Administration Building.
January 28 and 29: Noon, 1:30 and 3 p.m.
Explore the music of the golden age for British composers - the Baroque era. Works by Handel, Purcell, Eccles and Mell will be featured in this remarkable performance by the “Callipygian Players.” Featuring some of the Chicago’s finest period instrument musicians, Craig Trompeter, cello, and Mark Shuldiner, harpsichord, under the leadership of director and Baroque violinist Martin Davids, the afternoon is sure to be a golden performance. All ages. Individual tickets $28 per person (discount for Arboretum member). Purchase tickets online at www.mortonarb.com or call 630-725-2066. Thornhill Education Center.
January 8: 2:15
It’s “Groundhog Daze!” Crawl through a tunnel, make a pop-up groundhog to take home, touch real fur, and create your own puppet show. Free with Arboretum admission. All ages. The Children's Garden.
January 28 and 29: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Weather permitting)
Winter is a great time to plan your spring planting and designs! Learn how to “Plan Your Landscape” in this three-course series. In “Getting Started,” discover how to use your home plot, create an inventory of your property, and learn design terminology and garden styles. Adults. Costs $153 (discounts for Arboretum members). Register via Education at www.mortonarb.org/education or call 630-719-2468. Thornhill Education Center.
January 14 – February 4: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Snowflakes are everywhere! “Millions of Snowflakes” explores snow and snowflakes with a story, hands-on activities and a craft. For children ages 2 -3 with an adult. Costs $22 (discounts to Arboretum members). Register via Education at www.mortonarb.org/education or call 630-719-2468. Thornhill Education Center.
January 18 and 27: 9:30 – 10:45 a.m.
Interested in birding, but don’t know where to start? “Winter Bird Walks” is the activity for you! Explore the winter landscape with an expert guide, learn to identify the birds that stay in Illinois during the chilly months and discuss their behaviors and natural history. Bring binoculars and a field guide to enhance your experience. Adults. Costs $10 plus gate fee (discounts for Arboretum members). Register via Education at www.mortonarb.org/education or call 630-719-2468. Thornhill Education Center.
January 21, February 18, and March 17: 8 – 10:30 a.m.
Capture the stunning sunset in soft pastels. “Sunset Studies in Winter” teaches you how to create the effects of the sun’s rays as it sets over the snow and casts shadows off bare trees. Beginners welcome. Adults. Costs $100 (discounts for Arboretum members). Register via Education at www.mortonarb.org/education or call 630-719-2468. Thornhill Education Center.
January 22 and 29: 1 – 4:30 p.m.
Inspired by the Arboretum’s hidden gem: the Schulenberg Prairie! Enjoy a winter afternoon of readings from prairie poets and writers followed by a walk through the Schulenberg Prairie with “In Search of the Prairie Spirit.” Learn about the plants in their winter condition, animal signs and the effects of winter on the prairie landscape. Adults. Costs $21 (discounts for Arboretum members). Register via Education at www.mortonarb.org/education or call 630-719-2468. Thornhill Education Center.
January 28: 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Hear the stories, sites and clients of three masterful designers in “Landscape Genius: The Work of Olmsted, Simonds, and Jensen.” Join landscape historian Barbara Geiger to discuss their different approaches and contributions to the landscapes around Chicago, with a special emphasis on Simonds and his work on the original plan of The Morton Arboretum. Adults. Her new biography of Simonds, Low-Key Genius, will be available for purchase and signing. Costs $17 (discounts for Arboretum members). Register via Education at www.mortonarb.org/education or call 630-719-2468. Sterling Morton Library.
January 26: 7 – 8:30 p.m.
The science of snow! Learn how snow is made, how cold it is, and why the warmest place to be on a winter night might be under the snow in “Snowmen at Night.” For children ages 4 -5 with an adult. Costs $25 (discounts for Arboretum members). Register via Education at www.mortonarb.org/education or call 630-719-2468. Thornhill Education Center.
January 21 and 28: 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Make your painting glisten! Celebrate nature from the indoors with “Frosty Nature Printing.” Learn to use dark colored paper and paints that shimmer, lumiere, powdered watercolors, and other tricks of the trade to create a magical work of art. Plant materials will also be used. Adults. Costs $71 (discounts for Arboretum members). Register via Education at www.mortonarb.org/education or call 630-719-2468. Thornhill Education Center.
January 29: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Fraser fir has been called the “Cadillac of Christmas trees,” but did you know that this favorite holiday tree is on the Endangered Tree List? Learn more about the Fraser fir and other threatened trees and how you can help in a new exhibit, “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. Freewith Arboretum admission. Conifer Collection.
Now- September 2, 2012
Make special family memories with the “Enchanted Railroad,” the model train display that’s an annual holiday season favorite. See trains of different colors and styles loop around a holiday-themed track. All ages. Special Events Room.
Now–January 8: 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas
Follow the adventures of Joy the Gnome! Search for the gnomes hiding up high in the Children's Garden this winter in “Gnome Hunt.” Bring your best "I Spy" skills to find 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.
Now-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 literary journey! “Arbor Reading Adventures” offers an interactive story time and fun crafts indoors before 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 Now - March: 11 – 11:45 a.m.
Tired of hibernating indoors? Kids head outdoors for an exhilarating afternoon of outdoor fun at “Cool Kids Winter Play.” Bundle them up and experience this 15-minute guided glimpse into a winter wonderland with activities that may include building snow forts, snowmen and a garden scavenger hunt. . All ages. Free with Arboretum admission. The Children’s Garden.
Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays Now - February: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. (weather permitting)
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.