The Morton Arb

Education

Self-Guided Programs

Bring your classroom to the Arboretum any time of the year to experience the wonders of the natural world. Self-guided tours are available every day of the week.

Registration & Fee Information

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WOODLAND, WETLAND, PRAIRIE
120 students maximum
Make discoveries on your own while exploring the Arboretum’s woodland, wetland, and prairie (no support materials provided). Below are some suggested itineraries that take up to approximately 90 minutes. These options may include interpretive trail signs.
  • East Side: Starting at parking lot #8 walk the “Joined Loops 3 & 4 Trail” to Big Rock Visitor Station. Continue on the "Woodland Trail" to Big Rock. For a longer experience, walk the long way around the “Heritage Trail” back to the Big Rock Visitor’s Station. (Click here to see a map of the Arboretum's east side.)
  • West Side: Starting at the Prairie Visitor Station (parking lot #25) walk the Prairie Trail loop and go to parking lot #30. For a longer experience, walk to the nearby Millennium Oak.
    (Click here to see a map of the Arboretum's west side.)
Potential to address a variety of IL Learning Standards depending on which destinations you choose.

Information about Schulenberg Prairie.
Information about the Woodlands.
Information about the Wetlands (lakes, ponds and rivers).



1_Joy_PathJOY PATH SELF-GUIDED PROGRAM

150 students maximum
Use an interpreted trail, teacher guide, activity backpack, and map to explore woodlands, aquatic, and prairie ecosystems.
Potential to address the following IL Learning Standards:
11A – Scientific Inquiry
12A – Life Cycles
12B – Habitats and Food Webs
12E – Natural Cycles
16E – Environmental History

Information about The Joy Path.


girlswateringCHILDREN'S GARDEN SELF-GUIDED PROGRAM

400 students maximum
The Children's Garden is an enclosed 4-acre garden designed to spark curiosity about trees and the natural world as children play. It is available to school groups in PreK to Grade 3 with registration only. Registered groups may reserve Garden Adventure backpacks to enhance their educational experience. Register one pack for every 15 students. A list of materials, how to use them, and pre/post trip suggestions will be sent with trip confirmation.
Potential to address the following IL Learning Standards:
11A - Observation and Scientific Questions
12A - Characteristics of Living Things

Information about The Children's Garden.
Information about The Maze Garden.