Explore seasonal themes on guided, family-paced hikes through The Morton Arboretum’s diverse tree collections. Participants will hone their observation skills as they discover how trees support humans, animals, and other plants. Themes and locations visited change monthly.
Trees in Bloom: Get inspired by some of the earliest bloomers in the Arboretum’s collections to create your own magnolia print.
Spring Wildflowers: Explore the ephemeral beauty of spring wildflowers with all of your senses.
This program meets in person at The Morton Arboretum. Dress for the weather; layers are best!
Instructors: Emilian Geczi, manager of early childhood programs, The Morton Arboretum; Retta Hennessy, early childhood program assistant, The Morton Arboretum
Health and Safety: Program participants must abide by the Arboretum’s health and safety guidelines. Guidelines are subject to change, so please check back frequently.
Age: Recommended for families with children aged 4 and older.
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Emilian Geczi, manager of early childhood programs, The Morton Arboretum
Emilian Geczi, PhD, manages the Arboretum’s early childhood and family programs, and he enjoys sharing the wonders of trees and nature with family program participants and Children’s Garden visitors.
Retta Hennessy, early childhood program assistant, The Morton Arboretum
Retta Hennessy has been on staff at the Children’s Garden at The Morton Arboretum since 2008. She is a long-time early childhood educator, with a master’s degree in education, as well as a Master Naturalist. The Arboretum has enabled her to share a love of teaching and nature with people of all ages. “I believe the Arboretum provides a path for everyone to experience the beauty and healing opportunities that nature offers.”
Program Schedule
Trees in Bloom
Section A: Saturday, April 29, 2023, 11:00 a.m. to noon
Section B: Saturday, April 29, 2023, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Section C: Saturday, May 6, 2023, 11:00 a.m. to noon
Section D: Saturday, May 6, 2023, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Parking Lot 5
Spring Wildflowers
Section E: Saturday, May 20, 2023, 11:00 a.m. to noon
Section F: Saturday, May 20, 2023, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Section G: Saturday, May 27, 2023, 11:00 a.m. to noon
Section H: Saturday, May 27, 2023, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Big Rock Visitor Center, Parking Lot 13