May Events

Amazing Sculpture, Mother's Day Activities, Meet The Astronaut

LISLE, IL (February 26, 2010) - Uncover the hidden strength of trees through "Steelroots: Tobin at The Morton Arboretum," a unique, fine art exhibition by acclaimed sculptor Steve Tobin. The 14 nature-inspired, abstract tree root sculptures will wow visitors of all ages with their breathtaking size (up to 40 feet high). It's a rare opportunity for children to touch, run through, and lay underneath fine art in a relaxed outdoor setting, and let their imagination run wild. Adults will appreciate the art work's beauty against the stunning backdrop of evergreens. Tobin gained international fame for creating the "Trinity Root" sculpture: the only art memorial of the 9/11 World Trade Center attack. All ages, Conifer Collection Area. Free with Arboretum admission.
Now-January 31, 2011: 7 a.m. to sunset

"Meet the Tree Advocate Astronaut!" Former NASA astronaut Mark Lee traveled over 13 million miles in space over four flights, orbiting the earth 517 times. In the presentation "Observations From Space", you'll hear what happened up there that changed him forever and inspired him to plant over 140,000 trees on his Wisconsin property. Following the presentation, Lee will be available for pictures in his flight jacket. Tickets, available starting March 9, are $12 per person (discounts for Arboretum members), which includes Arboretum admission. For ages 8 years to adult. Thornhill Education Center.
May 2: two shows: 1 p.m. and 3 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 $43 per adult, $31 per child. Tickets available at 630-725-2066 or www.mortonarb.org. All ages, the Ginkgo Restaurant.
May 9: four seatings: 8:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 4 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 9: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Give mom a hand...a hand massage that is! Mom gets a free, two-minute hand massage and samples of the luxurious lotions from Thymes in four soothing fragrances. Receive a free sample and register to win a raffle basket full of delightful lotions and soaps from Thymes. The Arboretum Store.
May 9: 10 a.m. - 2 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 8: 12- 4 p.m.

OTHER EVENTS................................................................................................

See spectacular plant images from rare books and art collections in "Flora! Illuminated." A non-traditional exploration of spectacular plant images from the Suzette Morton Davidson Special Collections of the Sterling Morton Library. Selected snippets of song lyrics, poetry and prose will accompany these brilliant images to create a memorable experience for visitors. The exhibit will highlight rarely seen artwork and rare books revealing the extraordinary beauty and depth of the plant world. All ages, Sterling Morton Library. Free with Arboretum admission.
March 12- June 29: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday

Art that jumps off the canvas. "Wildlife Portraits" showcases highly detailed acrylic paintings of Costa Rican wildlife artist and conservationist Gerardo Valerio-Trigueros. Committed to painting the world's flora and fauna with a concentration on endangered species, Valerio-Trigueros uses his paintings to promote environmental conservation. All Ages. Thornhill Education Center.
May 23-28: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Leave the driving to us! See beautiful gardens, woodland, wetland and a prairie during a tram tour aboard the open-air Acorn Express. A guide explains the rich Arboretum history, and describes the trees and plants you'll see. There's also an opportunity to see lovely wildlife in a native habitat. Half-hour and one-hour tours available; prices range from $3-$6, (Arboretum member discounts available). Call 630-968-0074 for times.
Now through October: (weather permitting)

Have a red-letter day in the award-winning Children's Garden! "Arbor Day Weekend" allows youngsters to plant tree seeds and help decorate a special Arbor Day Tribute Tree, in honor of the nation's oldest environmental holiday. All ages. Children's Garden.
April 30 - May 2: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. (weather permitting)

Splash through a secret stream, climb a colossal acorn, and slide down giant tree roots all day long! The Children's Garden contains 10 gardens over four acres for kids to explore, learn and play among trees in semi-structured, self-guided activities. In May, kids can look at tadpole pictures, get fun facts about their sizes and colors, and make their very own floating tadpole in "Toad-ally Tadpoles" (weekends 11 a.m.-4 p.m.). "From Water to Wings" (weekdays 1-4 p.m.) teaches kids about the life cycle of a dragon fly while making a winged craft to take home!
Daily in May: Weather permitting.

Night moves at The Morton Arboretum! In "Night Senses," explore the grounds at night to learn about animals that are awake at night, and the senses they use to find food, move around, and talk to each other. For children ages 6-8 with adult, $23/child.
May 8: 7:30 - 9 p.m.

Enjoy the unique sounds and sensations of a springtime evening amid trees from 40 countries in "Arboretum After Dark." Walk through the woodlands and prairie to feel and hear the differences between night and day, and bring binoculars to do some stargazing. Children ages 11 and up welcome with adult registrant. Some walking on uneven terrain. Tickets, $22, available at 630-719-2468.
May 1: 7 - 9 p.m.

Ever see a bird's nest and wonder what kind of bird lives there? Or, found a seed on the ground and questioned what it would become? Meet Heidi Bee Roemer, author of "What Kinds of Seeds Are These?" and "Whose Nest is This?" These nature-inspired children's books bring to life the many types of animal nests and educate kids about the relationship between trees and the seeds, with engaging rhymes and vivid art. All ages, The Arboretum Store.
May 22: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Plunge into the pages of a good book in "Arbor Reading." Hear an exciting story with a new theme each month. May's theme is "Garden Fairies." All ages, The Children's Garden amphitheatre.
Fridays: 11-11: 20 a.m.

Spend the day in a magical fairy garden! Join the "Flower Fairy Festival" and make fairy furniture, listen to fairy folklore and make a fairy wand of your very own! This drop-in activity is for all ages. Children's Garden.
May 29 - 30: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. (weather permitting)

Nature's beauty captured in remarkable metals. The "Silver Seasons" jewelry line by Michael Michaud uses bronze, sterling silver, gold, natural stones and pearls to create replicas of the natural world around us. A perfect gift for that special someone. All ages. The Arboretum Store.
May 2: 12 - 3 p.m.

Art that jumps off the canvas. "Wildlife Portraits" showcases highly detailed acrylic paintings of Costa Rican wildlife artist and conservationist Gerardo Valerio-Trigueros. Committed to painting the world's flora and fauna with a concentration on endangered species, Valerio-Trigueros uses his paintings to promote environmental conservation. All Ages. Thornhill Education Center.
May 23-28: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

The Morton Arboretum gratefully acknowledges our sponsors: ComEd; Illinois Arts Council; Edy's Ice Cream, sponsors of Youth and Family Programs; Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, sponsors of Healthy Living; and Wente Family Estates, the Arboretum's featured wine sponsor.

Unless otherwise specified, all Arboretum events and destinations including the Children's Garden are free with Arboretum admission. The 2010 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 Contact: Gina Tedesco, 630-725-2103, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Allison Phelps, 630-719-5768, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it