June Events
TBA
CALENDAR LISTINGS - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Eds: Photos Available
June 2011
JUNE IS BUZZING WITH BEAUTY AT THE MORTON ARBORETUM
Activities and Events for All Energy Levels
LISLE, IL (March 11, 2011) – A brand new art exhibition will reveal how trees at The Morton Arboretum inspired artists to develop a diverse and surprising set of creations. “Nature Unframed: Art at the Arboretum” displays eleven striking and sometimes towering works of art. Renowned artists from around the world designed their pieces specifically based on how they “read” the unique landscape “galleries” where the works will be displayed. The art will complement stunning beauty at the Arboretum, which features the largest collection of flowering, ornamental trees in the Midwest. All ages.
May 19 – November 27: 7 a.m. to sunset
Create nature art with your family! “Family Art Adventure” is inspired by the Nature Unframed: Art at the Arboretum exhibit. Observe local artists in action, learn what inspires them and then try your hand at creating your own masterpieces! All materials supplied. Costs $22 per person (discounts for Arboretum members). All ages. Sycamore Room.
June 5: noon – 4 p.m.
See beautiful gardens, woodlands, wetlands and prairies on a tram tour. The 60-minute and 30-minute tours aboard the open-air Acorn Express explain the rich Arboretum history, and describe the trees and plants you’ll see. There’s also an opportunity to see lovely wildlife in a native habitat. Tickets are $4-6; (discounts for Arboretum members). Call 630-968-0074 for times.
Daily now through October, (weather permitting)
A night for the boys! “Just the Guys Bike and Hike Overnight” is a night for father and son. Spend the evening viewing fish, frogs and other slimy creatures as you hike around Lake Marmo. In the morning, have a light breakfast before heading out to bike around the East Side. Bicycles and helmets required; indoor space available for bike storage and reflective safety vest provided. Costs $51 per person (discounts for Arboretum members). Adult presence required. West Side Outpost.
June 3 – 4 (9 – 11 year olds): 6:30 p.m. – 9 a.m.
An after-hours activity! “Family Twilight Adventure” takes families around the Arboretum after the gates have closed. A short hike, awesome activities and a yummy marshmallow roast all before a silent tram ride though the woods. Learn about the owls that fly about when the lights go out! Children must accompany an adult registrant. One adult per five children required. Dress for weather. Costs $23 (discounts for Arboretum members.) For families with children under 10 years of age. Children’s Garden.
June 10: 7 – 9 p.m. and June 25: 6 – 8 p.m.
Fabulous color! Explore the bright world of summer’s show off insect in “Fluttery Butterflies.” Search for real butterflies and play fun fluttery games! Costs $21 (discounts for Arboretum members). Ages 2 – 3 with an adult. Fragrance Garden/Westside.
June 25 and 28: 10 – 11:15 a.m.
Nature’s nightlight! Discover facts and features of the summer’s glowing insect in “Firefly Fever.” Use flashlights to play firefly games, set up firefly experiments and try to catch these fiery floaters. Costs $25 (discounts for Arboretum members). Ages 4 – 5 with an adult. The Outpost.
June 25 and July 1: 8 – 9:30 p.m.
Garden vegetables all year long! “Organic Gardening De-Mystified: Summer” teaches how you can grow garden produce all summer long, then store your goodies for those colder months. See what to do each month in a food garden – from soil to plant care, harvesting, cooking and preserving! Register at www.mortonarb.org/education or 630-719-2468. Costs $35 (discounts for Arboretum members). Adults. Thornhill Education Center.
June 25: 1 – 4 p.m.
Grab those walking shoes and “Explore Gardening at the Arboretum!” Spend an hour with experts as they offer the inside scoop to plant selection and gardening designs used right here at the Arb. Walk-ins welcome; please dress for weather. Costs $6 (discounts for Arboretum members). Normal admission fees apply. Ages 16 and older. Register at www.mortonarb.org/education or call 630-719-2468. Visitor Center.
June 5: 2 – 3 p.m.
How are you and a hawk the same? Find out the connection between you and other living things in our world in “We’re All Connected.” Weave your own web of connections in this self-guided hands-on discovery activity. All ages. Children’s Garden.
Daily in June: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. (weather permitting)
What do you know about Mr. Sun? Come to “Sunny Days” and find out more about the sun and make a sun catcher to take home. This is a self-guided, hands-on discovery program. All ages. Children’s Garden.
Daily in June: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. (weather permitting)
Come out and play! “Outdoor Play Day” lets kids use our huge backyard to play games, create art and dress up like animals. Also, Rebecca P. Cohen, author of “15 Minutes Outside: 365 Ways to Get Out of the House and Connect with Your Kids” will be here to sign copies of her brand new book (June 4, 11a.m. – 1 p.m. only). All ages. Children’s Garden.
June 4 and 5: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. (weather permitting)
Peek-a-boo, we see you! Discover “Terrific Turtles” in the Children’s Garden. Touch real turtle shells, splash in the water, and search for turtles in our pond. Rain or shine. Dress appropriately and don’t forget sun screen, a hat, and maybe a change of clothes. Costs $21 (discounts for Arboretum members). Ages 18 – 23 months with an adult; one adult per two children. Children’s Garden.
June 16: 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Free food for the body and the brain! “Zone 5 Science Cafés” bring local experts and interested citizens together in the comfortable atmosphere of your local Whole Foods café. Share opinions, ideas, and plans for the future as you discuss today’s hottest environmental topics, including climate change, local food, and more. Zone 5 refers to the federal designation for the climate and growing conditions for plants in Chicagoland. This month’s topic is “How Much is Your Wetland Worth?” Adults. Register at www.mortonarb.org/education or call 630-719-2468. Occurs at Wheaton Whole Foods Market Cafe: 151 Rice Lake Square, Wheaton, IL 60189
June 16: 7 p.m.
Try our fishing hole! “Hooked on Fishing” lets kids spend the morning at the Arboretum’s private fishing spot - Arbor Lake. Go fish where few have fished before. Catch and release a variety of large and small fish while learning how fish move and survive in the water. Fishing pole required; bait provided. State fishing license required for 16 and older. Ages 6 and up with an adult. Costs $17 per person (discounts for Arboretum members). Parking Lot 33, West Side.
June 11, 18 and 19: 7:30 - 10 a.m.
Bluebirds or meadowlarks? Visitors never know what feathered friends fly into the Arboretum. “Spring Bird Walks” follows the variety of birds that flock to Illinois for the spring migration. Attendees will learn about the different birds that visit and nest at the Arboretum as spring turns to summer. This class will hike on trails and encourages attendees to bring binoculars and a field guide. Costs $10 (discounts for Arboretum members). Normal admission fees apply. Children 12 and older are welcome with an adult registrant. Register at www.mortonarb.org/education or call 630-719-2468. Thornhill Education Center.
June 4: 8 – 10:30 a.m.
Give your garden a boost! “Designing with Color, Texture, and Form” teaches how you can create an eye-appealing garden. Taught by well-known garden writer Nina Koziol and landscape designer Marcy Stewart-Pyziak, this class will examine colorful foliage and flowers that can light up a shade garden or enhance a sunny border. Register at www.mortonarb.org/education or 630-719-2468. Costs $86 (discounts for Arboretum members). Adults. Thornhill Education Center.
June 4: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Your thoughts out on the trail put on paper! “Hike and Write” sharpens your observational skills while on the trails. Then learn how to put your sights into words for a story or essay. No writing experience necessary! Register at www.mortonarb.org/education or 630-719-2468. Costs $143 (discounts for Arboretum members). Adults. Thornhill Education Center.
Tuesdays, June 7 – 28: 6:30 – 9 p.m. and Saturday, June 25: 9:30 a.m. – noon
Enjoy mid-week break at the Arboretum! Each Wednesday from June 8 to August 10 the Ginkgo Terrace will host “Wednesdays, Woods and Wine!” Spend the evening with live entertainments and special selections from the featured wine sponsor of the Arboretum, Wente Family Estates. Cost TBD. Ages 21 and up. Ginkgo Terrace.
Wednesdays, June 8 – August 10: 5 – 7 p.m.
How do you prune in the summer? “Pruning Small Shrubs and Perennials” shows proper summer pruning techniques for small shrubs and herbaceous plants. These techniques will help enhance form, maintain size and delay flowers. You will also gain a better understanding of the plant science behind summer pruning. Register at www.mortonarb.org/education or 630-719-2468. Costs $86 (discounts for Arboretum members). Adults. Research Building.
June 18 and June 25: 9 a.m. – noon
More beauty, less work! Learn easy maintenance techniques used by the professionals at The Morton Arboretum with “Say Yes to Low Maintenance.” A vast array of smart gardening tips for creating lawn “islands,” using native plants, irrigation methods, and paving guidelines. Register at www.mortonarb.org/education or 630-719-2468. Costs $56 (discounts for Arboretum members). Adults. Thornhill Education Center.
June 11: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Create your own paper! “Summer Papermaking Workshop” introduces you to the traditional technique of papermaking. Use a collection of expressive and colorful materials and natural dyes to make your own, one-of-a-kind paper. Register at www.mortonarb.org/education or 630-719-2468. Costs $90 (discounts for Arboretum members); all supplies are included. Thornhill Education Center.
June 12: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sunsets with soft pastels! “Sunset Studies; Painting Nocturnes” celebrates the long summer days by painting the sun setting over the grounds of the Arboretum with pastels. Learn about different lighting offered during this enchanting time. Register at www.mortonarb.org/education or 630-719-2468. Cost $90 (discounts for Arboretum members). Adults. Thornhill Education Center.
Wednesdays, June 15 – 29: 6 – 8:30 p.m.
Prowl through the prairie! “Summer Prairie Walk” takes you through the stunning flowers and swaying grasses of the Arboretum’s prairie. Celebrate summer with purple coneflowers, blazing stars, prairie docks, milkweeds, and asters. You will get a plant list, but feel free to bring your own field guide! Register at www.mortonarb.org/education or 630-719-2468. Costs $25 (discounts for Arboretum members). Adults. Prairie Visitor Station.
June 25: 9:30 a.m. – noon
Create your own table top arrangements! “Botanical Arranging” shows how you can incorporate plant materials from your garden into a stunning display. Discover insider tricks for taking natural materials and making them into elegant designs not found anywhere else. Register at www.mortonarb.org/education or 630-719-2468. Costs $59 (discounts for Arboretum members). Adults. Thornhill Education Center.
June 26: 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Love the Children’s Garden? “Playful Plants” gives you a behind the scenes tour with one of the Arboretum’s horticulturist who cares for the plants in the garden. Discover how these amazing trees, shrubs, vines, and aquatic plants provide a great setting for exploration and fun. Adults. Register at www.mortonarb.org/education or 630-719-2468. Costs $19 (discounts for Arboretum members). Meets in Arbor Court.
June 22: 6 – 8 p.m.
Time for a good book! Gather in the Children’s Garden for “Garden Story Time” each week. Theme for June is ‘We're All Connected.’ All ages. Children’s Garden.
Fridays in May – October: 11 a.m. (weather permitting)
The changing world reflected in art! The “Guild of Natural Science Illustrators Exhibit” highlights those talented artists who create all those scientific drawings found in textbooks, museum exhibits, and websites. Known as scientific illustrators, these artists prepare designs to inform, explain and instruct phenomena in the scientific world. Come see digital and traditional paintings that show how artwork can serve science in “Guild of Natural Science Illustrators Exhibit.” All ages. Sterling Morton Library.
Now – June 4: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday–Friday; 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Saturday
Part designer, planner, social reformer, conservationist and artist! Explore the world of one of America's most influential landscape architects with a tour of the exhibit, “Jens Jensen: Landscapes for People.” See original landscape drawings, archival photographs, and modern color photographs of Jensen’s ideas. See the impact of landscapes he presented in his 1939 book, ‘Siftings.’ Then, join Arboretum landscape architect, Susan Jacobson, to 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. Register at www.mortonarb.org/education or 630-719-2468. Costs $19 (discounts for Arboretum members). Adults. Sterling Morton Library.
June 29: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
The Morton Arboretum gratefully acknowledges generous support from: Sara Lee Foundation; Harris Bank; Lisle Convention and Visitors Bureau, the featured hotel sponsor; the Illinois Arts Council; Whole Foods Markets; Navistar: Presenting Sponsor of the Children’s Garden; Edy's Ice Cream and Wente Family Estates: Featured Wine Sponsor of the Arboretum.
Unless otherwise specified, all Arboretum events and destinations including the Children’s Garden are free with Arboretum admission. The 2011 rates are:
$11/adult, ($7 on Wednesday), ages 18-64
$10/senior, ($6 on Wednesday), ages 65 and over
$8/child ($5 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, or call to learn more.
Media Contact: Allison Phelps, 630-719-5768, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it