May Events
TBA
MAY IS FOR MOTHERS AT THE MORTON ARBORETUM
Art Celebrating Mother Nature; and Mother’s Day Activities for All
NATURE UNFRAMED WEEKEND EVENTS………………………………………………………..
LISLE, IL (February 21, 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 your own cultural experience. Go beyond the visual for a “Strolling Salon.” An Arboretum expert leads this tour and conversation about the connection to various art forms inspired by nature in the context of Nature Unframed: Art at the Arboretum. The group visits all 11 pieces in the exhibition during the mile and a half walk. Please dress for weather. Adults. Visitor Center.
May 20: 6 – 7:30 p.m.; May 21-22: 12-1:30 p.m.
How did Nature Unframed: Art at the Arboretum get here? Get exclusive behind the scenes information from the “Curator’s Tour.” This walking tour of all 11 exhibition pieces allows visitors to ask questions, gain insight and see the art works’ beauty against the Arboretum backdrop. Ages teen and up. Visitors Center.
May 22: 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
A rare opportunity! In “Meet the Artists,” talk to several of the featured artists where their art works are situated. Find out about their techniques and inspirations for creating their pieces, and their connection to art and nature. All ages, exhibition sites.
May 22: 1 – 3 p.m.
See the world through the eyes of a bee! “Nature’s Kaleidoscope” lets kids explore how animals view nature. This is a hands-on discovery program. All ages. Children’s Garden.
Weekdays in May: 1 – 4p.m. (weather permitting)
A world of shapes! Look around and see the “Nature Shapes” in your world. Use shape viewers to search for triangle trees, heart-shaped leaves and square stems. Then take your newfound knowledge and create a nature scene with basic shapes. This is a hands-on discovery program. All ages. Children’s Garden.
Weekends in May: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The dusky side of the Arboretum! “Twilight Hike” takes you around the towering trees of the pine family collection and through some of the art in the Nature Unframed exhibition to see what it is like as the sun begins to set for the day. A few nocturnal animals may even pop by to welcome you. Held outdoors, please dress for weather. Costs $23 per child (discounts for Arboretum members). Ages 9 and up with an adult. Visitor Center and East Side.
May 21: 7:30 – 9 p.m.
MOTHER’S DAY WEEKEND EVENTS……………………………………………………………
Treat mom to a fabulous, elegant brunch that allows her to gaze upon majestic trees beside a lake and enjoy “Mother’s Day Brunch.” It’s sure to please all moms! Prices, including tax and gratuity, are $45 per adult, $31 per child. Tickets available at 630-725-2066 or www.mortonarb.org. On sale to the general public April 4. All ages, the Ginkgo Restaurant.
May 8: seatings: 9:30 a.m., noon, and 2:30 p.m.
Capture a special Mother's Day memory by treating mom to a professional family portrait at the Arboretum. A $40 package includes one 8x10, two 5x7, and four wallet-size professional photographs mailed within two weeks. Cash or check only. No appointment necessary.
May 8: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Find the perfect Mother’s Day gift with original jewelry from a local artist who was inspired by her own mother’s jewelry! The creations feature pewter and brass charms, semi-precious stones, Swarovski crystals, and glass beads. “Nancy Neill Designs Trunk Show” highlights customizable pieces as perfect accessories for any jewelry-lover. All ages. Arboretum Store.
May 7: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
It is a “Flower Frenzy” for Mother’s Day! Look at all the different shapes, sizes and colors that flowers grow into and then paint a flower picture of your own! This is a free nature learning activity. All ages, the Children’s Garden.
May 7 and 8: 11 – 4 p.m. (weather permitting)
Mother and daughter bonding time! “Just the Girls Bike and Hike Overnight” lets you spend time with that special young girl in your life. In the evening, you will set out on a fun hike around Lake Marmo to hear the nighttime sounds. Afterward, return to camp for snacks around the campfire. After a light breakfast the next morning, take a bike around the Arboretum. Bicycles and helmets required; indoor space available for bike storage and reflective safety vests provided. Costs $51 per person (discounts for Arboretum members). Ages 6 – 11, adult presence required. West Side Outpost.
May 7–8 (6 – 8 years old); 20–21 (9 – 11 year olds): 6:30 p.m. – 9 a.m.
Give Mom the gifts of sun, scents and spring! “Wonderful Wildflowers” brings mother and her family a sensational afternoon of flowers, with wildflower walks, crafts and games, and even a fun scavenger hunt. Afterwards enjoy a picnic among the blooms. Cost: $20 per person (discounts for Arboretum members); picnic lunch included. All ages. Parking Lot 21, West Side.
May 7 and 8: 11 a.m.– 3 p.m.
OTHER MAY EVENTS………………………………………………………………………………….
See beautiful gardens, woodlands, wetlands and prairies in a tram tour. 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 April through October, (weather permitting)
Food for the body and the brain! “Zone 5 Science Cafes” 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. The socializing is free, but donations are encouraged. Adults. Register via Education at www.mortonarb.org or call 630-719-2468. Occurs at Hinsdale Whole Foods Market Cafe: 500 E. Ogden Ave., Hinsdale, IL 60521
May 19: 7 p.m.
Waddle this way! “Make Way for Ducklings” lets kids touch duck feathers and feet, while learning how to talk and walk like a duck. Then they will enjoy a reading of ‘Make Way for Ducklings.’ Costs $19 per child (discounts for Arboretum members). Ages 2 – 3 with an adult. Parking Lot 29 on the West Side.
May 11 and 14: 9:30 – 10:45 a.m.
Time to sing at the moon! “Goodnight Moon” takes kids on a guided walk in the Children’s Garden to explore the nighttime sky. Sing songs, play games and find out what animals are awake at night! Costs $23 (discounts for Arboretum members). Ages 4 – 5 with an adult. Children’s Garden.
May 13 and 14: 7 – 8:30 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 $16 per person (discounts for Arboretum members). Parking Lot 33, West Side.
May 7, 14 and 15: 8 – 10:30 a.m.
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). Ages 6 – 11, adult presence required. West Side Outpost.
May 21 - 22 (6 – 8 year olds): 6:30 p.m. – 9 a.m.; June 3 -4 (9 – 11 year olds): 6:30 p.m. – 9 a.m.
Mix it up! “Exploring Mixed Media” teaches how to incorporate different artistic techniques into one piece of art. First the class will begin with a canvas or water color paper as the base. Then slowly build a background from different thin papers and gel and continue on using transfers, stencils, masks and paint to create vibrant colors and rich textures. Botanical objects can also be used to give the pieces an organic feel. No experience necessary, all artistic levels are welcome! All supplies included. Costs $85 (discounts for Arboretum members). Adults. Register via Education at www.mortonarb.org or call 630-719-2468. Thornhill Education Center.
May 1: 11 a.m. – 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. Please dress for weather. Costs $6 (discounts for Arboretum members). Normal admission fees apply. Ages 16 and older. Register via Education at www.mortonarb.org or call 630-719-2468. Visitor Center.
April 17, May 1 and 15, and June 5: 2 – 3 p.m.
Look up and learn! “Night Sky for Naturalists” introduces attendees to the basics of astronomy while exploring the Arboretum after hours. Some binocular are available, however students are encouraged to bring their own binoculars or telescopes. Costs $30 (discounts for Arboretum members). Children ages 12 and up are welcome with an adult registrant. Register via Education at www.mortonarb.org or call 630-719-2468. Thornhill Education Center.
May 3: 8 – 10 p.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 the Arboretum in the spring. 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 via Education at www.mortonarb.org or call 630-719-2468. Thornhill Education Center.
April 16, May 7 and 21, and June 4: 8 – 10:30 a.m.
Turn online advice into garden success! “Off the Web and Into the Garden” introduces visitors to great online gardening resources and how to apply the information to your gardening needs. Hands-on demonstrations bring online advice to life! Costs $32 (discounts for Arboretum members). Adults. Register via Education at www.mortonarb.org or call 630-719-2468. Research Center.
April 30 & May 21: 10 a.m. – noon
Get ready for a summer of delicious, organic food from the garden! Join the 2009 Gardener’s Supply Garden Crusader of the Year, Vicki Nowicki of “Let’s Grow Vegetables,” for “Organic Gardening De-Mystified.” Create a calendar and planting plan for warm-weather vegetables and practice starting seeds. It’s part of the “Eco-Friendly Gardening Workshops” series that shows how small changes in landscape design and management create a beautiful, healthy, and sustainable yard. Costs $59 (discounts for Arboretum members). Adults. Register via Education at www.mortonarb.org or call 630-719-2468. Thornhill Education Center.
May 7: 1 – 5 p.m.
Take an evening stroll with us! “Arboretum After Dark” takes you around the Arboretum to hear springtime sounds, and smell springtime scents. Discover the difference the evening brings woodlands and prairies. Binoculars encouraged. Costs $19 (discounts for Arboretum members). Children ages 12 and up welcome to register with an adult registrant. Register via Education at www.mortonarb.org or call 630-719-2468. Parking Lot 21.
May 14: 7 – 9 p.m.
Go “Around the World in 80 Trees!” Meet spring’s most spectacular specimens, loaded with fragrant blossoms and emerging green leaves. After a brief introduction, the class heads out to see the trees in person. Each season, the class explores 20 trees to complete a tour “around the world!” Costs $24 (discounts for Arboretum members). Adults. Register via Education at www.mortonarb.org or call 630-719-2468. Thornhill Education Center.
May 28: 9 a.m. – noon
Nature education tools to go! “Family Explorers Backpack” lets visitors rent a bag full of science tools, guides and props to enhance their experience in the Children’s Garden. Costs $5 per backpack, (discounts for Arboretum members). One backpack is good for up to five children. Suggested for families with children ages 2 – 6. Visitor Center.
Daily April – October: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (weather permitting)
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; and Edy's Ice Cream.
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 4,117 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.
Media Contacts: Gina Tedesco, (office) 630-725-2103, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Allison Phelps, (office) 630-719-5768, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it