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Join The Morton Arboretum during Hispanic Heritage Month to celebrate the cultures, histories, and contributions of those people whose ancestors came from Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The observance, from September 15 to October 15, spans the anniversaries of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Chile, and includes Indigenous Peoples’ Day or Día de la Raza on October 12.
Experience a variety of special events and programs at the Arboretum highlighting Latino, Latina, and Latinx cultural heritage and learn about the communities in Latin America that are partners in the Arboretum’s important work to protect and conserve threatened trees and ecosystems.
Celebración de los Árboles
Explore the vibrant cultures and traditions of Latin America in the beautiful natural settings of The Morton Arboretum on Saturday, September 28, and Sunday, September 29, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m at Celebración de los Arboles!
Sample flavorful food, dance to new music, and take in the cultural traditions that celebrate the heritage of Latina, Latino, and Latinx peoples. This family-friendly event is the perfect way to end the summer!
Adult Programs
Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, attend adult learning programs and wellness activities, including Spanish-language forest therapy walks, garden design classes, and a group art project to build a piñata.
Science and Conservation
Science is the foundation of the Arboretum’s work for trees. Learn how urban and community initiatives are improving the lives of people in the Chicago region and how on-the-ground action projects with partners in Mexico and Mesoamerica benefit ecosystems while supporting local communities.
Meet a Scientist
During Celebracion de los Arboles, attendees can visit info tables near Meadow Lake to speak with scientists from the Arboretum’s Chicago Region Trees Initiative and Global Tree Conservation Program.
Tree Science Field Stations
During Celebración de los Arboles, learn about conservation work being done by Arboretum scientists and explore the connection between oaks and monarch butterflies with guided tours beginning at the Arboretum’s Administration and Research Center.
Global Tree Conservation Program
Working around the world, the Arboretum’s Global Tree Conservation Program is dedicated to safeguarding tree species in biodiversity hotspots like Mesoamerica through global collaborations. Arboretum staff lead integrated, science-based conservation action projects that support sustainable livelihoods and respect local cultures and traditional knowledge.
Chicago Region Trees Initiative
The Chicago Region Trees Initiative is The Morton Arboretum’s urban and community forestry program, working to improve people’s lives by supporting the health, diversity, and equitable distribution of trees in the Chicago region and throughout Illinois.
Opportunities in Science
The Arboretum’s Center for Tree Science offers many opportunities for students and young people to get involved in tree conservation and STEM. Learn more about youth volunteer opportunities and the Arboretum’s Integrated Mentorship Program.
