Morton Arboretum offers Adventure Day on Saturday

Nature lovers can see championship tree climbers in action and learn more about the Morton Arboretum's $63 million Growing Brilliantly campaign during South Farm Adventure Day.

The Growing Brilliantly campaign is evidenced by new construction taking place on the grounds to expand and improve the arboretum's tree-focused operations and services. South Farm refers to the base of operations where curatorial and facilities staff work to care for the plants and landscapes of the arboretum. Construction of a new South Farm complex, scheduled for completion in late 2017, is supported by the Growing Brilliantly campaign.

Visitors will learn about some of the Growing Brilliantly projects while enjoying an afternoon of fun activities from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20, at the arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. The day's interactive activities include:

• Touch-a-Truck display - Get up close to the arboretum's fleet of specialty vehicles such as diggers and dump trucks.

• Tree Climbing demonstrations - Watch the arboretum's certified arborists and champion tree climbers scale a pin oak in mere seconds. Narrated demonstrations begin at 2 p.m.

• Ask a Horticulturist - Have a gardening question? The arboretum's expert horticulturists will be on site to answer questions about trees and plants.

Additionally, visitors can take part in trivia and crafts and enjoy live music from classic rock band Frank and Dave. Kids will leave with temporary tattoos and their very own arboretum hard hats while supplies last.

Visitors also will have the opportunity to learn about the new South Farm complex from staff members who will answer questions and share their favorite stories about the arboretum.

South Farm Adventure Day is free with regular admission of $14 for adults ages 18 to 64, $12 for seniors ages 65 and older, and $9 for children ages 2 to 17. Admission is free for members and younger children. To learn more, visit mortonarb.org.