LISLE, Ill. (Oct. 20, 2026)—Construction began this month on a comprehensive on-site solar array at The Morton Arboretum that is expected to produce almost all of the organization’s annual electricity needs, marking a significant milestone in the nonprofit’s commitment to environmental leadership. This project will demonstrate how cultural institutions can lead by example in advancing sustainable practices while achieving long-term economic benefits.
The planned solar array showcases an innovative design on a south-facing hillside that will maximize energy production while minimizing land use. Once completed, the installation will generate more than 3 million kilowatt-hours annually, while using less than half the land required by traditional array configurations.
“The Morton Arboretum is leading by example,” said Arboretum President and CEO Jill Koski. “We strive to model sustainable practices for other arboreta, public gardens and community members. This solar array represents one aspect of our multifaceted commitment to environmental leadership and will make our operations more sustainable for decades to come.”
By generating clean energy, the planned solar installation will reduce the Arboretum’s carbon footprint and demonstrate sustainable practices that benefit the very ecosystems the organization works to protect and study. This commitment to clean energy will help preserve the climate conditions that trees and forests need to flourish, supporting the Arboretum’s core mission of tree conservation and research.
“As an environmental organization, we have the opportunity to inspire our one million annual visitors and the broader community by pursuing sustainability and conservation solutions in our operations,” added Rachel Novick, the Arboretum’s director of sustainability. “This multi-decade commitment illustrates our long-term dedication to environmental sustainability.”
The solar array will be built, owned and operated by Madison Energy Infrastructure (Madison).
“We’re proud to partner with The Morton Arboretum on this solar project,” said Ryan Coakley, chief development officer at Madison Energy Infrastructure. “The Morton Arboretum has spent a century protecting trees and teaching people why they matter, and it has become a part of life for families across the region. At Madison, we build sustainable infrastructure that serves local communities, and there’s no better example than helping an institution like the Arboretum lower its operating costs so more of its resources go toward its mission.”