The latest announcements and press releases
from The Morton Arboretum
Innovative on-site solar array positions world-renowned institution as sustainability leader while demonstrating how cultural organizations can advance climate resilience
ArbNet—the only global accreditation program specific to tree-focused botanical gardens—welcomed its first accredited arboretum from Poland
Reimagined exhibition features 22 dazzling displays, including 400-foot Northern Lights-inspired canopy, and new Pine Whistle Railroad
La exposición reinventada presenta 22 deslumbrantes exhibiciones, incluyendo una estructura de 400 pies inspirada en la aurora boreal y el nuevo Pine Whistle Railroad
Experts at The Morton Arboretum monitoring conditions closely; Walking Plays and Cider and Ale Festival kick off fall color events
—‘Green City Rising’ vision seeks to create a living, green network of tree-centric green spaces across Chicago—
Celebración de los Árboles festival, cultural installations, Spanish-language programs and family activities highlight cultures and connections to trees
El festival Celebración de los Árboles, las instalaciones culturales, los programas en español y las actividades familiares destacan las culturas y la conexión con los árboles
Five large-scale sculptures invite visitors to step inside, explore and experience trees in unique ways
Cinco esculturas de gran tamaño invitan a los visitantes a entrar, explorar y experimentar los árboles de maneras únicas
Partnership with DuPage County Health Department and WeGo Together for Kids brings research-based early childhood principles outdoors
Should they disappear from the wild, most of these species do not have a single backup in a managed botanical collection
Four enchanting new light installations, including 400-ft long aurora borealis-inspired display, and fantasy woodland model train add-on experience for all ages
Cuatro nuevas y fascinantes instalaciones de luz, incluyendo una exhibición de 400 pies de largo inspirada en la aurora boreal, y una experiencia adicional de tren modelo de bosque fantástico para todas las edades
Arboretum’s equity-centered ‘Green City Rising’ vision seeks to improve climate resilience, public health and community vitality with citywide system of tree-focused green infrastructure
Findings offer unique case study on species evolution
From blooming trees to seasonal wellness experiences, discover the best of late spring and early summer
The initiative engaged CSU students, staff volunteers, and leadership alongside the Arboretum’s team of tree experts
Christie Hoyt joined the Arboretum on April 20 as its new vice president of development
National recognition highlights the Arboretum’s employee dedication to positive work environment
Plus, expert tips to protect plants from temperature fluctuations
Ten gardens and arboreta from eight states were selected to receive Priority U.S. Trees Conservation Awards
Both institutions are key drivers of global tree, plant conservation efforts
Enjoy the benefits of trees with these winter experiences at The Morton Arboretum
Dog Admission Night is Jan. 2; Arboretum members receive 40% off Illumination tickets during final week
Last chance to experience Chicago’s beloved outdoor holiday tradition before Jan. 3; Popular Dog Admission Night added on Jan. 2
Fresh Christmas trees don’t last forever, and the tree care experts at The Morton Arboretum recommend planning ahead for proper disposal once it’s time to take them down
This year’s Urban Forester of the Year, Urban Forest Advocate and Urban Forest Innovator named at the annual Partner Recognition Celebration
With the shopping season underway for live Christmas trees, The Morton Arboretum’s tree experts offer seven key tips for choosing the best tree and keeping it fresh through the holidays
Incluye nuevas esculturas de animales gigantes de Vivid Creatures, entre 20 exhibiciones de luz inmersivas y noches de admisión de perros
Featuring new, larger-than-life Vivid Creatures sculptures included among 20 immersive light displays and Dog Admission Nights
The Morton Arboretum has been named one of Chicago’s Top Workplaces by the Chicago Tribune for the fifth consecutive year
New this year, Illumination offers four larger-than-life Vivid Creatures sculptures featured among 20 immersive light displays
Mark Richardson joined the Arboretum on Sept. 30 as its new vice president of collections and horticulture
Nearly 4,100 tree and plant species offer opportunities to experience fall color throughout the season
The Morton Arboretum has been recognized for the first time as a 2025 Top Workplace for Hospitality by Energage
The Arboretum’s urban and community forestry program recognized by American Society of Landscape Architects and American Public Gardens Association
Five larger-than-life sculptures now on view, with summer programs for families to enjoy
Groundbreaking research released amid Illinois Invasive Species Awareness Month
Lenart Elementary School students and The Morton Arboretum team up to plant trees, celebrate nature and learn the lasting impact of environmental stewardship
Programs include Vivid Creations Art Workshop, Wonder Woods Mini Golf, and free family-friendly activities to celebrate the Children’s Garden’s 20th anniversary
David Chearo joined the Arboretum March 24 as its new vice president of operations and planning.
First-time national recognition highlights the Arboretum’s dedication to positive work environment
This spring, visitors will be greeted by Vivid Creatures: Colorful Sculptures as Tall as Trees, a collection of massive, colorful, whimsical sculptures
Plus, expert advice on the best time to prune trees
Chicago organizations championing local and global efforts to secure biodiversity
Final weeks to experience five sculptures by environmental artist Olga Ziemska
The Arboretum’s Chicago Region Trees Initiative is administering the grants funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service and providing technical assistance to awarded organizations
Last chance to experience one of the top 10 holiday lights shows in the country
Whether people with live Christmas trees intend to keep theirs up for a short or extended time this holiday season, the tree care experts at The Morton Arboretum recommend planning ahead for their proper disposal once they’re taken down
Public votes exhibition one of the top 10 'Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights' in the country
As shopping begins for live Christmas trees, The Morton Arboretum’s tree experts recommend choosing one carefully and caring for it properly to ensure it stays fresh throughout the holiday season
Arboretum expert included among Clarivate’s esteemed 2024 list of ‘Highly Cited Researchers’
Honored for work-life flexibility, professional development and employee appreciation
The feature recognizes top Latino leaders in the Chicago area who demonstrate significant accomplishments within their industry
The 12th annual celebration of trees in winter runs through Jan. 4, 2025
The Morton Arboretum is encouraging people to save and repurpose falling leaves to nourish their gardens this autumn
Massive, whimsical sculptures representing animals important to Illinois ecosystems will be on view at The Morton Arboretum starting May 2025
Featuring a new sensory evening and themed Electric Illumination nights
The Morton Arboretum tree experts provide insights
In the newly published Conservation Gap Analysis of Native Mesoamerican Oaks, Arboretum researchers stress it’s critically important to conserve trees now
The Morton Arboretum’s Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI) and its partners honored three urban forestry champions for their exceptional work to enhance the regional forest
Highlighting cultural programs, Celebración de los Árboles festival, and tree conservation
Focus on role of botanic gardens in restoring habitats impacted by climate change
The 17-year cicadas are past their peak in the Chicago area and will conclude their life cycle by the end of June
Green infrastructure benefits are in high demand
The nine-hole pop-up course will engage and educate players of all ages about the fascinating world of trees and their role in Illinois ecosystems
Kicks off 10th anniversary of Chicago Region Trees Initiative
Chicago’s two Centers for Species Survival are reporting progress one year after being established
Tree experts at The Morton Arboretum share tips on how to protect young and other vulnerable trees and shrubs from potential damage
Zach Wirtz has been named director of The Morton Arboretum’s Chicago Region Trees Initiative, assuming the role on April 1, 2024
Some maple and elm trees are flowering a month early
Eight Chicago area teachers will travel to Costa Rica over spring break with staff from The Morton Arboretum for an immersive tropical cloud forest experience
The Morton Arboretum is expanding its leadership team with the appointment of two executives in newly created positions
The research hub includes over 30 Arboretum scientists who collaborate with colleagues around the world
The tree care experts at The Morton Arboretum recommend planning ahead for when it’s time to dispose of live Christmas trees
Public votes exhibition No. 6 ‘Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights’ in the country
First Arboretum expert on Clarivate’s esteemed annual list of ‘Highly Cited Researchers’
Illinois government entities can apply now
Wonder Woods course will highlight science in fun, interactive ways
The Arboretum’s Plant Clinic provides free advice by phone or email for those with questions about how to care for trees and plants, including Christmas trees
Honored for work-life flexibility and outstanding woman-led performance
Featuring new plan-ahead pricing and ’80s music-themed Electric Illumination night
The Morton Arboretum scientists share what to expect during Fall Color Festival
The funding is part of a historic $1 billion investment to boost the nation’s urban tree cover in communities nationwide
The Morton Arboretum’s Vice President of Science and Conservation was honored among Crain’s Chicago Business 2023 Notable Women in STEM, presented in its Sept. 4 edition
Since 1993, the Landscape Below Ground conferences have become renowned forums for sharing the latest research and management practices on all elements of tree root development in urban soils
To help keep trees and all plants healthy through this dry spell, Arboretum experts are urging homeowners and others to water trees and plants more often than usual
Environmental artist Olga Ziemska uses trees to express “we are nature” philosophy
How to help combat them during Illinois Invasive Species Awareness Month and beyond
Spearheading a coalition to increase equitable tree planting in under-resourced areas
Researchers will study the effects of drought on urban trees and develop more effective drought response strategies
Andrew L. Hipp, Ph.D., Herbarium Director and Senior Scientist in Plant Systematics at The Morton Arboretum, has received a Fulbright Specialist Program award
Forest ecologist at The Morton Arboretum explains complexities of predicting bloom times
The IUCN Species Survival Commission recognizes just eleven Centers on the planet
Largest exhibition to date for sculptor Olga Ziemska
Six new features make it most spectacular to date
Selection based solely on employee feedback gathered through anonymous third-party survey
Arboretum scientists study why leaves change color amid Fall Color Festival events
The Morton Arboretum celebrates the opening of The Gerard T. Donnelly Grand Garden
Major garden feature celebrates the Arboretum’s 100th anniversary
Fourth top leader in the organization’s first century, first woman
The 10th year of Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum includes a new Electric Illumination late-nights feature and dazzling Grand Garden finale
About 1-in-9 U.S. tree species are threatened with extinction
Botanical researchers representing a coalition of more than 10 institutions have discovered an oak tree once thought to be extinct
Centennial Tree Planting Initiative kicks off on Earth Day
New research examines the emergent dynamics of ancient trees in a rapidly changing climate
The Tree Heritage Park in Ibadan, Nigeria, became the 500th arboretum to be accredited
Yearlong celebration includes new Human+Nature sculptures, planting 1,000 trees
Five new light displays and world music featured
Selection based on employee feedback from anonymous third-party survey
Chicago-area summer drought could cause some trees to change color early, vary in brilliance
The Morton Arboretum announced today that Gerard T. Donnelly, Ph.D., will retire as president and CEO on September 30, 2022. Donnelly has served in his role since 1990.
Five new features and special Human+Nature display
One in three trees worldwide are facing extinction, with human use among the greatest threats, according to the first State of the World’s Trees report.
Major garden feature to be a central attraction.
The burgeoning field of macrogenetics is the focus of a new review published in Nature Reviews Genetics by a global, multidisciplinary team of researchers seeking to better answer fundamental biodiversity questions.
Private landowners lost hundreds of trees during a tornado that struck the Western suburbs of Chicago on June 20, 2021, and The Morton Arboretum is working to replace up to 300 of them as part of its Centennial Tree Planting Initiative in 2022.
The new partnership will advance the conservation of threatened trees in the United States, with a special focus on native oak species.
Art installation amplifies importance of tree museum’s mission. Five large-scale sculptures now enhance the landscapes at The Morton Arboretum as its newest outdoor art exhibition, Human+Nature, prepares to open May 28.
The first major U.S. exhibition by renowned South African artist Daniel Popper, and his largest exhibition to date anywhere in the world.
Research will guide tree planting and care for under-resourced communities.
The world is experiencing a sixth global mass extinction event, and botanical gardens are uniquely positioned to preserve the world’s plant diversity.
The Morton Arboretum’s horticulturists are calling on homeowners and land managers in the Chicago region to remove the invasive plant species.
An estimated 31% of the world’s oak species are threatened with extinction according to The Red List of Oaks 2020.
Central America is one of the most diverse floristic regions in the world, but a lack of comprehensive plant records and knowledge of its endangered, endemic tree species impedes conservation work.
In a groundbreaking study, an international team of 21 scientists led by The Morton Arboretum helps understand how much genetic diversity currently exists in collections in botanical gardens and arboreta worldwide.
