Learn about endangered species, conservation at Morton Arboretum
Visitors to the Morton Arboretum can take part in four days of specially themed activities and programs that recognize Endangered Species Day Friday, May 15, and Plant Conservation Day Monday, May 18.
They can learn about the efforts being made to protect the more than 100 species of rare and endangered trees at the arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle, as well as simple ways to help endangered species through activities that include both docent-led and self-guided walking tours highlighting threatened trees.
Children and families also can find out more about the importance of the trees around them with a visit to the Discovery Cart, as well as hands-on activities in the Children's Garden.
"There are more than 10,000 species of threatened trees around the world," said Murphy Westwood, tree conservation specialist at the Morton Arboretum.
"The arboretum works to save endangered trees, like the beautiful paperbark maple, by not only planting and protecting these trees on our grounds, but by conducting scientific research and working with organizations around the world to bring attention to this critical environmental issue."
The days also will include educational exhibits that showcase the arboretum's research and conservation projects, which aim to catalog and understand threatened trees in the wild.
Programs are free with arboretum admission, unless specified. Programs include:
• Acorn Express tram tours at 12:30 p.m. Friday, May 15; 11 a.m., 12:30, 2 and 3:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 16 and 17; and 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Monday, May 18. The cost, not included in admission, is $5 for adult members, $6 for nonmembers, $4 for child members and $5 for other children.
Visitors aboard the Acorn Express tram learn about trees along the route from one of the guides. The one-hour rides wind through the arboretum's woodlands, wetlands and prairie, and along the way, visitors will learn facts about several endangered trees and the importance of plant conservation. Tours take place weather permitting.
• Discovery Cart is from noon to 2 p.m. Friday, May 15; 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 16 and 17; and noon to 2 p.m. Monday, May 18.
At the Discovery Cart by the Visitor Center, guests can hear the stories behind some of the world's endangered tree species from arboretum docents. The Discovery Cart also will act as the meeting point for a guided tour about endangered trees. Tours will depart between noon and 2 p.m.
• Self-Guided Tours are available from 7 a.m. to sunset daily.
Visitors who download the Morton Arboretum's iPhone app will be able to follow its Threatened Trees tour, highlighting a dozen endangered trees and where to find them on the grounds.
Learn about a tree that was thought to be extinct for millions of years but was rediscovered by chance by a wandering botanist less than an hour from one of the biggest cities in the world, and learn which iconic holiday tree is actually endangered with extinction. Visitors also will have the opportunity to watch a featured video about three of these threatened trees during the tour.
• Vanishing Acts: Trees Under Threat is available 7 a.m. to sunset daily. The arboretum's permanent exhibit highlights endangered trees from around the world. Vanishing Acts is located in the conifer collection, just a short stroll off the Conifer Walk.
Children's activities
• We Love Trees is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday to Monday, May 15 to 18. Visit the Children's Garden to discover some of the products that come from trees. Then make a recycled plant container out of newspaper and plant a tree seed to take home and grow. This is a self-guided, hands-on discovery activity offered when weather permits.
• Acorn Express Adventures is offered at 11 a.m. Friday, May 15, at the cost of $4 for members and $5 for others.
Aboard the Acorn Express Tram families can discover the trees and wildflowers of the arboretum's east side. The program, which takes place weather permitting, will include a tram ride, short hike and a craft to take home.
Admission to the Morton Arboretum is $14 for adults ages 18 to 64 ($9 on Wednesdays), $12 for seniors 65 and older ($8 on Wednesdays), $9 for ages 2 to 17 ($6 on Wednesdays), and free for children younger than 2. Members receive free general admission all year long.
For information, contact (630) 968-0074 or mortonarb.org.
If you go
What: Activities for Endangered Species and Plant Conservation days
When: Friday to Monday, May 15 to 18
Where: The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle
Admission: $14 adults, $12 seniors 65 and older, $9 ages 2 to 17, free for younger children and members; additional fees for some activities
Info: (630) 968-0074 or mortonarb.org