Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum opens November 16
The 12th annual celebration of trees in winter runs through Jan. 4, 2025
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The latest announcements and press releases
from The Morton Arboretum
Press Releases
Got fallen leaves? Put them to use with tips from The Morton Arboretum
The Morton Arboretum is encouraging people to save and repurpose falling leaves to nourish their gardens this autumn
New sculpture exhibition debuts May 17 at The Morton Arboretum
Massive, whimsical sculptures representing animals important to Illinois ecosystems will be on view at The Morton Arboretum starting May 2025
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum tickets on sale
Featuring a new sensory evening and themed Electric Illumination nights
With the Chicago region in a moderate drought, how will fall colors be impacted?
The Morton Arboretum tree experts provide insights
Mesoamerican oak tree species in urgent need of conservation, according to milestone report
In the newly-published Conservation Gap Analysis of Native Mesoamerican Oaks, Arboretum researchers stress it’s critically important to conserve trees now
The Morton Arboretum’s Chicago Region Trees Initiative announces 2024 Urban Forestry Award recipients
The Morton Arboretum’s Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI) and its partners honored three urban forestry champions for their exceptional work to enhance the regional forest
The Morton Arboretum celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
Highlighting cultural programs, Celebración de los Árboles festival, and tree conservation
The Morton Arboretum, Chicago Botanic Garden selected to host global conservation congress in Chicago
The Morton Arboretum and the Chicago Botanic Garden have been selected to host the 9th Global Botanic Gardens Congress in summer 2027
Expert tips for caring for trees, plants after cicadas leave
The 17-year cicadas are past their peak in the Chicago area and will conclude their life cycle by the end of June
$6.9 million awarded to 22 Illinois communities for urban forestry
Green infrastructure benefits are in high demand
The Morton Arboretum Wonder Woods Mini Golf opens May 24
The nine-hole pop-up course will engage and educate players of all ages about the fascinating world of trees and their role in Illinois ecosystems
The Morton Arboretum calls for community-driven tree plantings for climate resilience this Arbor Day
Kicks off 10th anniversary of Chicago Region Trees Initiative
Chicago’s two Centers for Species Survival report conservation progress for Earth Day
Chicago’s two Centers for Species Survival are reporting progress one year after being established
Expert tips for protecting trees from historic spring cicadas
Tree experts at The Morton Arboretum share tips on how to protect young and other vulnerable trees and shrubs from potential damage
The Morton Arboretum Chicago Region Trees Initiative names new director
Zach Wirtz has been named director of The Morton Arboretum’s Chicago Region Trees Initiative, assuming the role on April 1, 2024
How weather and climate are impacting Chicago area spring blooms
Some maple and elm trees are flowering a month early
Chicago area teachers embark on Costa Rica cloud forest immersion program
Eight Chicago area teachers will travel to Costa Rica over spring break with staff from The Morton Arboretum for an immersive tropical cloud forest experience
The Morton Arboretum announces new VP of people and culture, and chief of staff
The Morton Arboretum is expanding its leadership team with the appointment of two executives in newly created positions
The Morton Arboretum Center for Tree Science names new director
The research hub includes over 30 Arboretum scientists who collaborate with colleagues around the world
Expert tips for live Christmas tree disposal
The tree care experts at The Morton Arboretum recommend planning ahead for when it’s time to dispose of live Christmas trees
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum nabs spot on USA TODAY Top 10 list
Public votes exhibition No. 6 ‘Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights’ in the country
The Morton Arboretum tree root scientist recognized as top-cited researcher
First Arboretum expert on Clarivate’s esteemed annual list of ‘Highly Cited Researchers’
Chicago Region Trees Initiative opens applications for urban forestry IRA sub-grants
Illinois government entities can apply now
The Morton Arboretum’s new mini golf experience teed up for May 2024
Wonder Woods course will highlight science in fun, interactive ways
Expert tips for selecting and caring for a live Christmas tree
The Arboretum’s Plant Clinic provides free advice by phone or email for those with questions about how to care for trees and plants, including Christmas trees
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum opens this week with IllumiBrew preview
New ADA compliant route, immersive displays and ’80s late-night event highlight 11th season
The Morton Arboretum named Top Workplace third year in a row
Honored for work-life flexibility and outstanding woman-led performance
Tickets to Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum on sale Oct. 16
Featuring new plan-ahead pricing and ’80s music-themed Electric Illumination night
Will 2023’s extreme weather impact Chicago-area fall leaf color?
The Morton Arboretum scientists share what to expect during Fall Color Festival
The Morton Arboretum awarded historic $15 million in federal IRA funds to improve urban forests in underserved Illinois communities
The funding is part of a historic $1 billion investment to boost the nation’s urban tree cover in communities nationwide
Crain’s Chicago Business names Dr. Murphy Westwood a Notable Woman in STEM
The Morton Arboretum’s Vice President of Science and Conservation was honored among Crain’s Chicago Business 2023 Notable Women in STEM, presented in its Sept. 4 edition
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum returns for 11th season
Among 'best in U.S.' holiday lights to feature new route, immersive displays, and ADA accessible path
Landscape Below Ground Conference Returns to The Morton Arboretum
Since 1993, the Landscape Below Ground conferences have become renowned forums for sharing the latest research and management practices on all elements of tree root development in urban soils
The Morton Arboretum advice on watering trees, plants during drought
To help keep trees and all plants healthy through this dry spell, Arboretum experts are urging homeowners and others to water trees and plants more often than usual
New Of the Earth exhibition debuts May 26 at The Morton Arboretum
Environmental artist Olga Ziemska uses trees to express “we are nature” philosophy
Invasive plant species are choking the Chicago region
How to help combat them during Illinois Invasive Species Awareness Month and beyond
The Morton Arboretum plants 3,000th tree leading up to Arbor Day
Spearheading a coalition to increase equitable tree planting in under-resourced areas
Four major Illinois research institutions form a collaboration to improve urban forest drought resilience
Researchers will study the effects of drought on urban trees and develop more effective drought response strategies
Andrew L. Hipp Receives Fulbright Specialist Award to Teach in Germany at University of Goettingen
Andrew L. Hipp, Ph.D., Herbarium Director and Senior Scientist in Plant Systematics at The Morton Arboretum, has received a Fulbright Specialist Program award
Understanding the science of spring
Forest ecologist at The Morton Arboretum explains complexities of predicting bloom times
The Morton Arboretum and Shedd Aquarium named new Centers for Species Survival
The IUCN Species Survival Commission recognizes just eleven Centers on the planet
The Morton Arboretum announces new exhibition, Of the Earth, opening May
Largest exhibition to date for sculptor Olga Ziemska
10th year of Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
Six new features make it most spectacular to date
On-site solar array to bring renewable energy to The Morton Arboretum
Solar installation expected to meet 100% of institution’s energy needs
The Morton Arboretum named top workplace second year in a row
Selection based solely on employee feedback gathered through anonymous third-party survey
Untangling the mysterious web of fall color science
Arboretum scientists study why leaves change color amid Fall Color Festival events
The Grand Garden ribbon cutting at The Morton Arboretum
The Morton Arboretum celebrates the opening of The Gerard T. Donnelly Grand Garden
The Grand Garden opens at The Morton Arboretum Sunday, September 18
Major garden feature celebrates the Arboretum’s 100th anniversary
The Morton Arboretum names Jill C. Koski as next president and CEO
Fourth top leader in the organization’s first century, first woman
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum celebrates 10th year
The 10th year of Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum includes a new Electric Illumination late-nights feature and dazzling Grand Garden finale
Researchers complete first comprehensive threat assessment of all U.S. trees
About 1-in-9 U.S. tree species are threatened with extinction
Researchers rediscover oak tree thought to be extinct
Botanical researchers representing a coalition of more than 10 institutions have discovered an oak tree once thought to be extinct
The Morton Arboretum to unveil new Human+Nature sculptures June 17
South African artist Daniel Popper’s largest exhibition in the world is getting even bigger with three new sculptures joining the original five.
The Morton Arboretum planting 3,000 trees in Chicago region
Centennial Tree Planting Initiative kicks off on Earth Day
Ancient trees deemed vital to forest survival
New research examines the emergent dynamics of ancient trees in a rapidly changing climate
ArbNet accredits 500th arboretum
The Tree Heritage Park in Ibadan, Nigeria, became the 500th arboretum to be accredited
The Morton Arboretum kicks off 100-year anniversary Dec. 14
Yearlong celebration includes new Human+Nature sculptures, planting 1,000 trees
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum returns to walking trail Nov. 20
Five new light displays and world music featured
The Morton Arboretum named top Chicago-area workplace 2021
Selection based on employee feedback from anonymous third-party survey
When is the best time to see fall color? It depends.
Chicago-area summer drought could cause some trees to change color early, vary in brilliance
Gerard T. Donnelly, president and CEO of The Morton Arboretum, to retire
The Morton Arboretum announced today that Gerard T. Donnelly, Ph.D., will retire as president and CEO on September 30, 2022. Donnelly has served in his role since 1990.
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum returns to walking experience November 20
Five new features and special Human+Nature display
Landmark global report: 1 in 3 tree species face extinction
One in three trees worldwide are facing extinction, with human use among the greatest threats, according to the first State of the World’s Trees report.
The Morton Arboretum breaks ground on new grand garden for upcoming centennial celebration
Major garden feature to be a central attraction.
A New Era for Biology: Opportunities and Challenges of Macrogenetics
The burgeoning field of macrogenetics is the focus of a new review published in Nature Reviews Genetics by a global, multidisciplinary team of researchers seeking to better answer fundamental biodiversity questions.
The Morton Arboretum helping replace trees lost to tornado
Private landowners lost hundreds of trees during a tornado that struck the Western suburbs of Chicago on June 20, 2021, and The Morton Arboretum is working to replace up to 300 of them as part of its Centennial Tree Planting Initiative in 2022.
The Morton Arboretum, United States Botanic Garden partner to protect threatened trees
The new partnership will advance the conservation of threatened trees in the United States, with a special focus on native oak species.
The Morton Arboretum Human+Nature exhibition to open May 28
Art installation amplifies importance of tree museum’s mission. Five large-scale sculptures now enhance the landscapes at The Morton Arboretum as its newest outdoor art exhibition, Human+Nature, prepares to open May 28.
Human+Nature exhibition opens this spring
The first major U.S. exhibition by renowned South African artist Daniel Popper, and his largest exhibition to date anywhere in the world.
2020 Chicago Region Tree Census details urban forest benefits, concerns
Research will guide tree planting and care for under-resourced communities.
A case for botanical gardens to lead in global plant crisis
The world is experiencing a sixth global mass extinction event, and botanical gardens are uniquely positioned to preserve the world’s plant diversity.
Chicago region landowners urged to remove invasive buckthorn now
The Morton Arboretum’s horticulturists are calling on homeowners and land managers in the Chicago region to remove the invasive plant species.
Researchers estimate nearly one-third of oaks are threatened with extinction
An estimated 31% of the world’s oak species are threatened with extinction according to The Red List of Oaks 2020.
Researchers assemble first comprehensive checklist of Panama’s trees with geographic ranges
Central America is one of the most diverse floristic regions in the world, but a lack of comprehensive plant records and knowledge of its endangered, endemic tree species impedes conservation work.
Study helps arboreta, botanical gardens meet genetic diversity conservation goals
In a groundbreaking study, an international team of 21 scientists led by The Morton Arboretum helps understand how much genetic diversity currently exists in collections in botanical gardens and arboreta worldwide.
