Letter from the President and CEO
Dear Friends and Supporters,
In 2023, The Morton Arboretum expanded the impact of its tree-focused mission and advanced its vision of a greener, healthier, more beautiful world where people and trees thrive together.
In partnership with internal and external stakeholders, we reshaped the Arboretum’s strategic priorities: that people and communities are engaged and inspired; knowledge is advanced through collaborative scientific inquiry; and trees are protected, preserved, and supported.
A major milestone was achieved when the International Union for Conservation of Nature named The Morton Arboretum as the Center for Species Survival: Trees, the only global center focused on conserving plants. This influential designation is expanding our capacity to catalyze conservation efforts in biodiversity hotspots around the globe. Additionally, the Arboretum was awarded a historic $23 million in federal Inflation Reduction Act funding to improve the tree canopy in disadvantaged communities across Illinois.
The living collections that are at the very center of our purpose as an Arboretum were expanded with the planting of new conservation groves of endangered tree species. And, more than 18,000 children spent time learning and exploring in the Arboretum’s woods while developing an appreciation for trees and excitement about science on school field trips.
During the year, we became more deeply connected to communities by expanding programming and partnerships with numerous local organizations to inspire a love of trees. On-site we made more areas of the Arboretum accessible with the addition of a new ADA-compliant event pavilion and by reconfiguring the popular Conifer Walk, making the path for Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum fully available to those using wheelchairs.
These and many other achievements were made possible through the generous contributions of donors, trustees, members, volunteers, and staff.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support in helping people and trees thrive together.
With gratitude,
