Larger-than-life 'Ribbit! The Exhibit' coming to Morton Arboretum

This spring and summer, the Morton Arboretum will feature "Ribbit! The Exhibit," a whimsical collection of larger-than-life copper frog sculptures.

On display from Friday, April 8, through Sunday, Sept. 25, "Ribbit! The Exhibit" features 19 displays of 4- to 7-foot-tall frogs taking part in a variety of activities, including playing instruments, catching butterflies and meditating on a lily on the arboretum grounds, 4100 Route 53, Lisle.

Handcrafted by North Carolina-based sculptor J.A. Cobb, the displays include the "Tree Frog," who will be nestled in a stately white oak; "Zenny," relaxing on his lily pad in the fountain of the May T. Watts Reading Garden; and the "Jazz Trio," set in the arboretum's Arbor Court, home of the popular Wednesdays, Woods and Wine outdoor music series.

All spring and summer, arboretum visitors of all ages can learn about frogs and nature through frog-themed programming, classes and events, including a visit from amphibian expert Deb the Frog Lady, and a Frog ID workshop for adults. The Children's Garden will provide drop-in activities throughout the display's run that allow children and families to explore the world of frogs and their habitat.

"Every year, our visitors are enamored by frogs at the arboretum - from the tadpoles in our Children's Garden to the musical croaking of the chorus frogs and spring peepers that can be heard throughout the arboretum during the spring months - so we think 'Ribbit! The Exhibit' will be a great addition to our spring and summer schedule," said Anamari Dorgan, director of education at the arboretum. "In addition to entertaining our visitors, 'Ribbit! The Exhibit' offers a chance to learn about the relationship between frogs and the trees that live all around us."

Kids' programs

• Frog and Toad visit the Morton Arboretum on Saturday and Sunday, May 7 and 8. Meet the classic Arnold Lobel storybook characters Frog and Toad, have fun with crafts and read stories throughout the day.

• Creature Feature on Saturday and Sunday, July 30 and 31, lets you meet some real reptiles and amphibians. Deb the Frog Lady will showcase this group of animals and attendees will get to hold a few of the creatures.

• Hooray for Herpetology! on Sunday, Aug. 14, lets you meet live amphibians and reptiles from the Lake View Nature Center and learn more about the animals.

Adult programs

• Frog ID Workshop on Thursday, May 5, teaches you the names and ecology of the frogs that call in the spring. The Chicago area is home to eight fairly common frog species, with an additional four found in the further reaching collar counties. Time will be spent indoors learning how to identify these amphibians by physical features as well as their distinct vocalizations. Then head outside to listen and search for species that call the arboretum home.

For information, visit mortonarb.org.