Morton Arboretum launches $63 million capital campaign

The Morton Arboretum has launched a five-year, $63 million capital campaign that will allow the outdoor tree museum in Lisle to deepen its scientific and conservation work, expand tree development and construct a new operations building.

So far, the Growing Brilliantly campaign is off to a fast start, raising more than $35.6 million in its early stages.

Money raised during the campaign will pay for the redevelopment of South Farm, which serves as the operations and plant production hub for the 1,700-acre arboretum, arboretum officials said in a news release.

In addition, the campaign will pay for such "critical initiatives" as the arboretum's tree conservation and new plant development programs. There will be enhancements to the Children's Garden as well.

There's also the planned launch of the Center for Tree Science, which will provide opportunities for tree scientists, professionals and students to collaborate and participate in training.

The redevelopment of South Farm will happen first. Scheduled for completion late next year, the project will include a new operations building, a transportation hub and expanded plant production facilities with 5,400 square feet of new greenhouse space.

"The Morton Arboretum is a phenomenal outdoor museum of trees and a local treasure whose staff is working to address key scientific issues facing our communities and planet," said Darrell Jackson, chairman of the arboretum's board of trustees and a donor to the Growing Brilliantly campaign. "The day-to-day work of the arboretum as a nonprofit organization depends on a robust stream of funding for all of its programs, from tree science to the Children's Garden."

The $35.6 million raised so far includes the five largest gifts in the arboretum's history, officials said.

Among them are a $3 million gift from an arboretum trustee; a $3 million gift, including $1 million in matching funds, from the Hamill Family Foundation for Arboretum science and conservation programs; and $2.3 million from the Daniel P. Haerther Fund for Development of Trees for the Urban Environment.

"More than ever, trees today need advocates as they face mounting challenges," said Gerard T. Donnelly, president and CEO of the arboretum. "Such generous gifts are critical to helping us achieve our goal of creating a greener, healthier and more beautiful world."

Officials said the campaign comes on the heels of a record year for the arboretum, which last year welcomed more than 1 million visitors.

For more information, visit mortonarb.org.