Tree identification is a useful skill that can deepen your connection with nature. Get to know the common trees you see in local preserves or in your neighborhood in this single-session class at The Morton Arboretum! You will learn how to identify a tree by:
- Recognizing characteristics such as leaves, bark, branches, flowers, and fruit.
- Using tree identification keys and field guides.
- Closely observing your natural surroundings.
Although the concepts you will learn can be applied to identifying trees in any region, this course will focus on examples of common trees in Illinois and the Midwest.
This program meets in person at The Morton Arboretum. If you’d like to learn from home, please check out the self-paced online course, Basic Tree ID (on demand).
This program meets in person at the Arboretum.
Instructor: Lyn Myers, education program guide, The Morton Arboretum
Continuing education: This program fulfills a plant identification requirement for the Natural Areas Conservation Training Program.
Instructor
Lyn Myers, education program guide, The Morton Arboretum
Building on a lifelong connection to the outdoors, Lyn Myers has been working as an educator at The Morton Arboretum since 2005, working primarily with school-age children. She also works with adult programming, scouting groups, and summer campers as an Arboretum Summer Science Camp coordinator. She became a Certified Interpretive Guide in 2017, further refining her efforts to create enriching and engaging nature experiences for all audiences. When she’s not mentoring new staff, wrangling summer campers, hiking, canoeing, or reading, you can find her digging in her garden or tending her backyard beehive.
What to Know
Held mostly outdoors. Dress for the weather.
Wear comfortable shoes, and be prepared to walk up to two miles on uneven terrain.
Bring materials for taking notes, water, and sun and insect protection.
Continuing Education
This class fulfills a requirement for the Natural Areas Conservation Training (N-ACT) Program.
Program Schedule
This program meets during these times; choose your sessions. Pricing is per session.
Saturday, August 16, 2025, 9:30 a.m. to noon
Thornhill Education Center (Parking Lot 21), West Side
Saturday, September 27, 2025, 9:30 a.m. to noon
Thornhill Education Center (Parking Lot 21), West Side
