Celebrate equinox with hike Sunday

The days are getting shorter, the nights longer and a walk this weekend at Morton Arboretum will celebrate the transition to fall.

Hikers can experience the waning hours of sunlight with a guided tour of some of the arboretum's 1,700-acre outdoor museum at the Autumn Equinox Walk.

"The equinox is the time of year when you have 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness," said Mary Samerdyke, coordinator of docents and tram interpreters. "So people get a feel of what half a day of sunlight is like, what the daylight looks like at that hour."

Walkers will learn more at four stations along the way.

The stations detail the way different cultures celebrate the fall and harvest, the science behind the equinox, animals getting ready for winter and fruits that people won't find at the grocery store.

"It's a way to see some of the more unusual aspects of the season and how creatures celebrate the fall," Samerdyke said.

The arboretum has something similar four times a year for all four seasons. It's the second year for the autumn equinox event, which is free with admission.

"It's a fun way to celebrate fall," she said. "It's very family friendly. It can be enjoyed by young children as well as Grandpa and Grandma.

If you go

What: Autumn Equinox Walk

When: 4 to 5 p.m. Sunday

Where: Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle

Cost: Free with admission of $9 adults, $8 seniors, $6 children

Info: (630) 968-0074 or mortonarb.org