The Schulenberg Prairie Member Trail Mixer invites members of The Morton Arboretum to discover the West Side’s 100-acre tallgrass prairie on Sunday, October 4, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This free, self-guided hiking event encourages members to explore a new trail, learn about prairie restoration, and connect with your fellow members along the way.
Named for Ray Schulenberg, a former curator of native plants at the Arboretum, the expansive restored prairie brims with more than 300 different kinds of plants and grasses, and serves as a model to similar ecological restoration projects throughout the region.
Members may begin their hike at any time during the event and explore the prairie at their own pace between interactive learning stops in the area known as the The Acre, aptly named for Schulenberg’s 1963 restoration starting point. At each stop, docents will highlight notable plants, trees, and other elements of this remarkable landscape. Follow a mostly grassy path approximately one-half mile long, though participants are encouraged to continue exploring the prairie’s additional mile and a half of trails.
Whether you’re new to the Arboretum or have visited for years, this free event is a great way to experience a different corner of the Arboretum and enjoy the trails alongside fellow members.
Highlights
Explore the Arboretum
Begin your visit by checking in at the Thornhill Shelter on the Arboretum’s West Side, where you’ll receive a special event map and can board an optional shuttle to the Prairie Visitor Station. Alternatively, enjoy an additional one-mile walk to the prairie from Thornhill.
At the Visitor Station, explore the Discovery Table featuring pelts, plant specimens, books, and other hands-on materials that showcase the prairie’s unique ecosystems and inhabitants.
Before or after your hike, take the short trail behind the Prairie Visitor Station to see the preserved foundation of a barn that stood on the site in the 1800s—a fascinating glimpse into the prairie’s history.
From there, set out on the prairie trails at your own pace. Follow a curated trail between interactive learning stops, where docents will share stories about the prairie’s restoration and point out notable plants, trees, and wildlife. The featured route is approximately one-half mile long, with an additional mile and a half of prairie trails to explore.
Families and children are encouraged to attend one of two special storytimes featuring picture books from the Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Storytimes will take place at the preserved barn foundation at the Prairie Visitor Station at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. and require no preregistration. A take-home craft will also be available.
Complimentary Snacks and Discounts
Check in at the welcome table at the Thornhill Shelter on Sunday, October 4, to pick up an event map, a complimentary drink and snack (while supplies last), and to be entered in a prize drawing.
Arboretum members receive a discount coupon for 10% off at the Ginkgo Restaurant and Café. Discount coupons are valid on Sunday, October 4, only. Tree Advocate-level members and above receive 15% off.
Parking and Shuttle
Members should park at the Thornhill parking lot (P-21) and board a shuttle to the Prairie Visitor Station. Shuttles will run continuously for the duration of the event, starting at 9:45 a.m., departing from the Thornhill parking lot. The last returning shuttle will leave from the Prairie Visitor Station parking lot (P-25) at 2:30 p.m.
Shuttles are available on a first come, first served basis, and members may experience lines during peak times.
Members may also choose to walk to the Prairie Visitor Station from the Thornhill parking lot. Pick up a map at the welcome table and follow the designated walking route (about one mile long).
Limited parking, including several accessible spots, is available at the Prairie Visitor Station parking lot (P-25) on a first-come, first-served basis.
Registration
The Schulenberg Prairie Member Trail Mixer is a free, drop-in event open exclusively to Arboretum members.
No registration is necessary to participate. A shuttle between the Thornhill Parking Lot and Prairie Visitor Station will be available on a first come, first served basis, and will run continuously for the duration of the event.
Your membership supports the Arboretum’s vision of a greener, healthier, more beautiful world where people and trees thrive together. Thank you.
