Knowing the names of the common native plants you see on your walks, bike rides, or volunteer days can deepen your connection with the natural world. In this class, you will learn what to look for when identifying a plant, and then spend time walking the grounds of The Morton Arboretum with an expert, learning the names and identifying characteristics of common native plants of northern Illinois.
This class is great for the beginner or for any naturalist looking to brush up on native plant ID.
This program is open to all experience levels.
This program meets in person at the Arboretum.
Instructor: Cari Dale, horticulturalist, The Morton Arboretum
Continuing education: This class fulfills a requirement for the Natural Areas Conservation Training (N-ACT) Program.
Age: 16 and older
Course number: N233
Instructor
Cari Dale, horticulturalist, The Morton Arboretum
Cari Dale holds a Bachelor of Science in horticulture from Iowa State University. Growing up in Iowa, she developed an early fascination with plants beyond the state’s dominant corn and soybean crops. Dale spent fifteen years working as a landscape designer in the Chicago suburbs before shifting her focus to native plants. For the past seven years, she has been a horticulturist at The Morton Arboretum, where she oversees 160 native plant species growing around Meadow Lake.
What to Know
This program meets outdoors. Check the forecast and dress for the weather.
Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes and plan to walk more than a mile on uneven terrain.
Please bring a water bottle and a notebook.
This program is open to all experience levels.
Continuing Education
This class fulfills a requirement for the Natural Areas Conservation Training (N-ACT) Program.
Program Schedule
Saturday, June 20, 2026, 9:00 a.m. to noon
Cudahy Room, Administration and Research Center (parking lot P-1), East Side
