February marks Member Appreciation Month at the Arboretum. It is an opportunity to thank and celebrate our members, as well as a time for members to reflect on what the Arboretum means to you.

Laura Hernandez, a Perennial Partner member—a distinction for members with 10 or more consecutive years—says that the perks of membership include a deeper connection with trees and nature that inspire her to return year after year.

“There is a meditative quality to (an Arboretum) walk,” she said. “It’s a very peaceful place, and I love walking there.” Among her favorite spots is the Spruce Plot on the East Side. “It started as a shortcut, but now it is one of my favorites.”

Over the years, Hernandez has fully explored the Arboretum’s 1,700 acres, even visiting daily during some years as part of her training routine. “It is a big place, but feels so much bigger than it is,” she explained, adding, “One of my absolute favorites is Lake Marmo in the spring. Coming down the hill when trees are in full bloom is spectacular. I feel compelled to get that picture every year.”

Hernandez’s advice to new members? “Explore and find your happy places,” she said. “Things change so much year after year, walk after walk. There are so many different ways to see the Arboretum. I would suggest getting off the main path. Go deep and explore.”

Hernandez is one of more than 53,000 Morton Arboretum member households. Every membership supports the Arboretum’s vital work to plant and protect trees for a greener, healthier, more beautiful world where people and trees thrive together.

During this year’s month-long celebration, Arboretum members enjoy special benefits, including:

• Free Add-On Admission: Share the Arboretum with friends and family each time you visit in February. Members receive two free guest admissions every visit when they arrive in the same vehicle.
• Member Mondays: Mondays in February, Arboretum members receive free coffee, tea, or hot chocolate from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. in the Sycamore Room. (On Monday, February 23, complimentary beverages will be available near the Member Services Desk in the Visitor Center.)
• Membership Offer: Purchase or renew a Senior, Individual, Dual, or Household membership in February and receive two free entry passes with promo code FF2026.
• Extra Discount at The Arboretum Store: Receive an additional 5% discount (on top of the standard 10%) in The Arboretum Store on Wednesdays in February. Visit The Arboretum Store webpage for hours and information about options for shopping, pickup, and delivery.
• Discount at the Ginkgo Restaurant and Café: Receive a 10% discount in the Ginkgo Restaurant and Café (15% discount for members at the Tree Advocate level and above).
• Discounted Dog Admission: Arboretum members save $2 on dog admission tickets on Dog Admission Days, Sunday, February 8, and Sunday, February 15.

Arboretum members also receive a special benefit during each week of February:

• February 1–7: Stop by the Member Services Desk to be entered to win a $50 Arboretum gift certificate. Limited to one entry per member household per day.
• February 8–14: Receive Double Frequent Visitor reward points when you visit.
• February 15–21: Spin the prize wheel at the Member Services Desk and win! One spin per member household per day.
• February 22–28: Stop by the Member Services Desk for a small Arboretum-branded thank you gift. One gift per member household.

Member Appreciation Month is a great time to join. For more information, join online or call 630-719-2453 for assistance.