Breadcrumbs

Adult Courses

Course List

Tallgrass Prairie Ecology (Online Only)

Digitally explore the intricacies of the prairie landscape and learn how to restore these signature American ecosystems at The Morton Arboretum. Thursday, June 27, 2019, or Wednesday, September 18, 2019, 12:00 p.m. U.S. Central time: Online course becomes available
Treasured Trees of the Arboretum Tram Tour

Ride the tram with curator Matt Lobdell for an enlightening perspective on the Arboretum’s most treasured trees. Thursday, June 27, 2019, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Dragonfly and Damselfly ID

Learn to identify dragonflies and damselflies on the grounds of the Arboretum. (NEW SECTION ADDED) Friday, June 28, 2019, 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. (SOLD OUT) Friday, June 14, 2019, 8:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Ikebana: Japanese Floral Arranging

Capture the graceful curve of an unfolding bud, the surprise of new leaves, or the lightness of a cloud through Ikebana -- the art of Japanese flower arranging at The Morton Arboretum. Saturday, June 29, July 20, or September 28, 2019, 1:00 to 3:30 p.m.
Plants of Wetlands

Learn the names and ecology of the wildflowers, sedges, rushes, and other plants that inhabit wetlands at The Morton Arboretum. Saturday, June 29, 2019, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Nature Beyond the Binary

Plants and animals offer up many different ways of being, becoming, and living. From intersex worms to flowers that transition sex overnight, nature is non-binary! Learn about and celebrate nature in this fun walking tour around the Arboretum's Nature Connects exhibition. Saturday, June 29, 2019, 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.
Restorative Aerial Tree Yoga

Experience the many restorative and therapeutic benefits of aerial yoga while you relax, release, and deepen into yoga poses supported by a hammock at The Morton Arboretum. Sunday, June 30, 2019, 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. or 12:30 to 1:45 p.m.
Aerial Tree Yoga Single Class

Try out this sampler session of aerial yoga. Stretch, strengthen, and release stress while having fun, cocooned in a hammock suspended from the trees at The Morton Arboretum! WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19 class is CANCELED. Monday, June 17 or 24, 2019, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Weekly in July and August, Mondays, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., or Fridays, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Forest Therapy Walks (3 hour)

Experience the healing and wellness promoting effects of Shinrin-Yoku, the practice of bathing the senses in the atmosphere of the forest. Take a slow and mindful walk with a certified Forest Therapy guide on a trail at the Morton Arboretum. Dates and locations vary starting Saturday May 11 through Monday, September 23, 2019, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Red, White, and Blue Floral Arrangement

Create a summer arrangement perfect for Independence Day, bursting with red, white and blue at The Morton Arboretum. Tuesday, July 2, 2019 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Out of the Box: You and Your New Camera

Learn to use your new DSLR camera. Get familiar with the basic features and functions of your camera and have the opportunity to practice under the guidance of an experienced photographer at The Morton Arboretum. Saturday, July 6, 2019, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Plants of the Prairie

Learn the identification skills to manage, restore, or simply enjoy prairie habitats at The Morton Arboretum. (Registration opens May 21, 2019) Three Tuesdays, July 9 through July 23, 2019, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Drawing Nature II

Grow your nature drawing skills under the guidance of a knowledgeable instructor at The Morton Arboretum. Four Tuesdays, July 9 through 30, 2019, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Intro to Wildlife Photography

Learn to capture dynamic photographs of raptors, small birds, and mammals. After an evening classroom session at The Morton Arboretum, enjoy a Saturday field session at Willowbrook Wildlife Center, home to fox, bobcat, eagle, sandhill crane, and many more species of local wildlife. Three days: Two Wednesdays, July 10 and 17, 2019, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Saturday, July 13, 8:00 a.m. to noon
Nature in Graphite

Learn to capture nature with graphite, the perfect medium for textures. at The Morton Arboretum. Four Wednesdays, July 10 through 31, 2019, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Wetland Ecology

Learn the essentials of wetland ecology and the vital management techniques necessary to maintain threatened wetland ecosystems at The Morton Arboretum. Two days: Wednesday, July 10, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., and Saturday, July 13, 2019 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Tool Use for Natural Areas Management (Online and In-person)

Learn to effectively and efficiently use the tools of the trade to tackle different restoration jobs at The Morton Arboretum. Tuesday, July 9, 2019, 12:00 p.m.: Online materials become available. Tuesday, July 16, 2019, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m: In-person session at Thornhill Education Center, OR Tuesday, September 10, 2019, 12:00 p.m.: Online materials become available. Tuesday, September 17, 2019, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m: In-person session at Thornhill Education Center
Intro to Ecological Restoration (Online and in-person)

Discover the principles and practice of ecosystem restoration at The Morton Arboretum. Registration opens May 21, 2019. Thursday, July 11, 2019, 12:00 p.m.: Online materials become available. Saturday July 20, and Saturday, July 27, 2019, 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Basic Nature Photography

Become a nature photographer. Move beyond shooting in automatic; learn how to adjust your camera’s manual settings to get the shot you want at The Morton Arboretum. Four Thursdays, June 6 through 27, 2019, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., or Four Thursdays, July 11 through August 1, 2019, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
What is a Tree? Live Podcast with In Defense of Plants

Experts from The Morton Arboretum and Matt Candeias, host of the In Defense of Plants Podcast, will take you on an exploration of what it means to be a tree. Thursday, July 11, 2019, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Natural History Bike Tour

Discover the natural history of northeast Illinois as we cycle the roads of the Arboretum. Friday, July 12, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., or Sunday, September 8, 2019, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Beyond Arborvitae: Creative Screening Solutions

Create privacy in your outdoor spaces this summer. Many of us desire to screen a part of our garden or yard from the neighbors. While arborvitae is a favorite traditional hedging evergreen, there are many more options to enliven your space! Saturday, July 13, 2019, 9:00 a.m. to noon.
What to Know Before You Go

Ron Nosek of Nature Education Programs brings his What 2 Know B4 You Go program to the Arboretum this summer. Learn skills you need to survive in the wilderness in this practical, hands-on workshop. Saturday, July 13, 2019, 9:00 to noon.
Navigating with a Map and Compass

Be prepared for your next wilderness outing; learn to find your way using a map and compass at The Morton Arboretum. (Registration opens May 21, 2019) Saturday, March 16, 2019, noon to 4:00 p.m.
Arboretum Yoga

Improve your health and well-being with yoga. We will practice poses, breathing and meditation in the tranquil setting of the Morton Arboretum. Select Mondays or Wednesdays May 6 through October 14, 2019, times vary.
Beginning Smartphone Photography

Remember, “the best camera is the one that’s with you.” Whether you are new to photography or new to smartphones, discover techniques for getting great nature images with your phone at The Morton Arboretum. Register now for Spring; Saturday April 13, or June 15, 2019, 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. Summer registration opens May 21; Saturday, July 13 or September 14, 2019, Noon to 3:00 p.m.
Bird Walks

Search the woods, fields, and edges of the Arboretum for birds on May 11 for International Migratory Bird Day, and the third Saturday of each month, May 18 through September 21, 2019, 8:00 to 10:30 a.m.
Invasive Species I (Online and In-person)

Learn to identify and manage the most common invasive plants in the Great Lakes region at The Morton Arboretum. Dates vary starting Wednesday, July 17, 2019
Ecosystem Concepts (Online and In-person)

Explore the interactions that drive ecosystem function and learn to identify plants, animals, and fungi in relation to ecological habitats at The Morton Arboretum. Thursday, July 18, 2019, 12:00 p.m.: Online materials become available. Sunday, July 28, 2019, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.: In person session meets.
Forest Therapy Walks (1 hour 45 minute)

Experience the healing and wellness promoting effects of Shinrin-Yoku, the practice of bathing the senses in the atmosphere of the forest. Take a slow and mindful walk with a certified Forest Therapy guide on a trail at the Morton Arboretum. June 22nd walk CANCELED. Days and locations vary starting Saturday, May 18 through Monday, September 16, 2019, 9:30 to 11:15 a.m.