Mission

The Morton Arboretum is The Champion of Trees.

The Morton Arboretum is an internationally recognized tree-focused botanical garden and research center. Its 1,700 acres of beautiful tree-filled landscapes are a place of enjoyment, a vibrant hub for nature education, and a world-renowned center for scientific research that studies trees and how to sustain them. Its vision is a greener, healthier, more beautiful world where people and trees thrive together. As a nonprofit organization, the Arboretum’s mission is to collect, study, display, and conserve trees and other plants from around the world to inspire learning, foster enjoyment, benefit communities, encourage action, and enhance the environment.

Helping Trees Thrive

One in three trees worldwide is threatened with extinction, society faces the challenges brought on by climate destabilization, and we all rely on trees for a more resilient and sustainable future. To meet these challenges and create a better future for trees and people, the Arboretum conducts scientific research, working with a worldwide network of collaborators; builds public support and engagement with trees; helps communities plant and care for their tree canopies; and shares knowledge of trees and their ecosystems to address the impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss.

Strategic Priorities

To achieve its vision, the Arboretum has identified three interlinked strategic priorities.

People and Communities

People and communities are engaged and inspired. The Morton Arboretum engages local and regional communities, with attention to changing demographics and means of engagement.

Scientific Inquiry

Knowledge is advanced through collaborative scientific inquiry. The Morton Arboretum conducts and shares innovative research that advances tree science regionally and globally.

Trees

Trees are protected, preserved, and supported. The Morton Arboretum conserves and promotes resilient and adaptive trees and forests.

Vision: a greener, healthier, more beautiful world where people and trees thrive together

A Place for Trees and People

The Arboretum features plant collections and gardens amid natural landscapes of woodlands, prairie, lakes, and streams. Its living collections include more than 100,000 specimens representing more than 4,000 different kinds of plants. Additionally, guests can enjoy 16 miles of hiking trails, nine miles of roads, a Children’s Garden, educational programs and exhibits, the Sterling Morton Library of botanical literature and art, a Visitor Center with a museum store and a restaurant, special events, and seasonal exhibitions.

World-Renowned Leader in Tree Science

The Arboretum conducts leading scientific research on tree health and improvement, and grows and displays a diversity of trees for study and enjoyment throughout its 1,700 acres. The Arboretum leads collaborations throughout the Chicago region and around the world to maximize its impact and ensure trees thrive.

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Founded in 1922 by Joy Morton

When Joy Morton established The Morton Arboretum, he envisioned a great outdoor museum of trees. Nearly 100 years later, Mr. Morton’s vision is shared with millions of people who come to the Arboretum to experience the benefits of spending time among trees, to learn, or enjoy the beauty of plants and nature that inspire the arts. He recognized the essential need that remains today for a place to treasure being among trees and to study them for the well-being of people and the environment.

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Mission

The Morton Arboretum is The Champion of Trees.

Helping Trees Thrive