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Adult Opportunities

Basic Tree ID

Learn to identify the common trees you see in local preserves or in your neighborhood.

Content Detail

Learn to identify the common trees you see in local preserves or in your neighborhood.

Learn how to identify trees in this in-person class at The Morton Arboretum. Get to know the common trees you see in local preserves or in your neighborhood. In this class, you will learn how to identify a tree by:

  • using characteristics such as leaves, bark, branches, flowers, and fruit.
  • learning how to use tree identification keys and field guides.
  • practicing observation skills to see your natural surroundings in a new way.

This tree ID course includes examples of common trees in Illinois and the Midwest, though the basic concepts you will learn can be applied to identifying trees in any region.

Tree identification is a useful skill and knowing how to identify a tree builds a deeper connection to nature. Come prepared to walk up to two miles on wood-chipped trails.

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).

Instructor: Katrina Lewin, plant records coordinator, The Morton Arboretum

Age: 16 and older

Course number: N142

Katrina Lewin, plant records coordinator, The Morton Arboretum

Katrina Lewin has a bachelor’s degree in ornamental horticulture from the University of Illinois and has been a horticulturist at The Morton Arboretum since 2004. She enjoys teaching pruning and plant identification classes and is a frequent speaker at local garden clubs.

What to Know

Held mostly outdoors. Dress for the weather.

Bring sun and insect protection, wear comfortable shoes, and be prepared to walk up to two miles on uneven terrain.

Program Schedule

Spring

Section B: Wednesday, May 31, 2023, 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Thornhill Education Center

Summer

Section A: Thursday, September 14, 2023, 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Thornhill Education Center

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