The Morton Arboretum Get tickets
Greenmatters

Greenmatters

Content Detail

Finding Joy

Joy is everywhere at The Morton Arboretum. “I’ve found it hearing the spring peepers,” said Jill Koski, President and CEO. “I’ve felt it seeing friends stop in their tracks at an unexpected pop of color in the landscape, having an ‘aha!’ moment of understanding on a lab tour, or catching the delight of a parent telling me about their child’s field trip adventure.”

Andrea Billhardt, a member for more than two decades, found it in the East Woods when she spotted a beaver dam. “It gave me great joy that, so close to the city, I could see animals living their lives in the wild,” she said.

For Kevin Keogh, another longtime member, the greatest joy is to share a visit with any or all of his 10 grandchildren and see them discovering nature: touching slabs of wood to feel the texture of a tree’s long life, romping and climbing in the Children’s Garden, chasing tadpoles in Wonder Pond. “The Arboretum is a special place,” he said.

As we look forward to Evergreen: The Gala for The Morton Arboretum which takes its inspiration from this irrepressible feeling of joy, take a moment to think: Where at the Arboretum do I find my joy?

Sunrise brightens early fall colors along the East Side’s wooded trails.

Lake Marmo is a great place to see a wide variety of wildlife.

Dark-eyed junco on the West Side is among many bird species seen at the Arboretum.

Look closely in the Conifer Collection for Siberian spruce buds opening with new needles.

Children and adults alike enjoy meeting tadpoles in the Children’s Garden in spring.

Tree peony petals show their dimensions up close.

The fresh green of springtime in the East Woods.

Toad song awakens the marshes.

A highlight of an Arboretum visit is on the hilltop with Spectra the snail.

A barred owl keeps watch in the East Woods.

Dancing is part of the fun at Arbor Evenings concerts.

Grasses of the Schulenberg Prairie blow in the wind.

The sunset over Meadow Lake always brings wonder and joy.

In spring, when green is new on the beech trees, or in the fall, when the leaves change into their vivid colors, “I am always grateful that the Arboretum is there,” said member Andrea Billhardt. “It’s a special place, and I have loved it for many years.”

Share your joy in the beauty of the Arboretum and the important work it does by supporting the Evergreen Gala or making a gift.