The Tree Scientist’s Toolbox
Odd-looking devices that hang on tree trunks or stick up from the forest floor are tools of the Arboretum’s scientists.
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Greenmatters
The donor-exclusive guide to The Morton Arboretum
Welcome to Greenmatters, the quarterly donor newsletter of The Morton Arboretum.
As a donor, you play a major role in the Arboretum community. Your support is what makes it possible for the Arboretum to study and protect trees, develop new trees, and present numerous programs and events each year. This newsletter, just for donors, is your opportunity to learn even more about the Arboretum. Meet us here quarterly as we take you behind the scenes of tree research, collections, new exhibitions, and much more.
Arboretum Tree-Care Knowledge Goes to Africa to Save a Threatened Tree
High in a rocky, scrubby upland in southeastern Africa, an evergreen tree species driven to the edge of extinction by logging and fire is struggling to survive in patches of forest.
Color Makes Connections in New Artworks
Five giant sculptures will embody familiar animals when the new Vivid Creatures: An encounter with colorful forest friends exhibition opens at the Arboretum May 16, 2025.
Oaks for the Future
The work of The Morton Arboretum, with the valuable support of its donors, is making sure that oaks thrive to be part of the lives of many generations to come.
Your Support in 2024 Is Essential
The generosity of donors has never been more vital to the present and future of The Morton Arboretum.
Community Partnerships Open a Door to Opportunity
Engaging an increasingly diverse range of people with nature and trees in a way that makes the Arboretum theirs to enjoy is an important priority for the institution.
Tending Trees for Science
As the research horticulturist in the Center for Tree Science, Jonathan Steele is helping to answer scientific questions that are crucial to the future of trees and people.
A New Leader for a Pioneering Urban Forestry Program
In April, Zach Wirtz became director of the Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI), The Morton Arboretum’s urban forestry program, just as it began its 10th year.
Who Lives Here?
Wildlife monitors help Arboretum researchers track the frogs, turtles, snakes, birds, butterflies, dragonflies, damselflies, moths, and fish that call the Arboretum home.
A New Leader for the Center for Tree Science
Soil ecologist Meghan Midgley, PhD, a scientist at the center for nearly 10 years, now leads the team of more than 30 researchers who work with colleagues around the world to deepen knowledge of trees and their ecosystems.
ArbNet Connects Arboreta Around the World
Funded and staffed by the Arboretum with the support of its generous donors, ArbNet provides a way for tree-focused institutions to find each other and collaborate for the future of trees.
Plant Collecting in the Neighborhood
One day a few years ago, on a trail near a favorite climbing spot in Wisconsin, Kim Shearer, curator of collections and manager of new plant development, noticed an interesting plant: mountain maple.
Your Support in 2023 Is Essential
The generosity of donors has never been more vital to the present and future of The Morton Arboretum.
Save the Date for Special Donor Events in 2024
To show our appreciation for your support, The Morton Arboretum offers a number of events exclusively for its donors.
The Magic of Science Camp
For more than 20 years, the Arboretum's science camps have invited children outdoors to learn through fun. This summer, more than 1,500 children explored trees and nature through 134 weeklong camps.
A Grove of Possibilities
As part this year's Arbor Day celebration, employees of The Morton Arboretum helped plant a whole grove of trees as the latest move in the Arboretum’s decade-long effort to save an endangered species
Building a More Welcoming Arboretum
A number of recent construction projects at The Morton Arboretum are really building one thing: a welcoming space for a wider variety of people
Little Oaks Help Answer Big Questions
Behind the scenes at the Arboretum, a patch of tiny bur oak trees helps scientists figure out how oak trees’ genetic variation influences how they adapt to different circumstances
Kris Bachtell’s Advice for Donors Shopping at the Plant Sale
Kris Bachtell, vice president of collections and facilities, offers advice for gardeners attending this year’s Arbor Day Plant Sale donor preview event
A New Curator for the Future of the Arboretum's Trees
Kim Shearer, as the Arboretum’s new curator of collections and manager of new plant development, manages the staff who collect, select, record, label, and care for the Arboretum's collections
Planting Trees for the Next Century—and Beyond
The Chicago region is nearly 3,000 trees greener at the end of 2022, thanks to the Centennial Tree Planting Initiative marking the 100th year of The Morton Arboretum
Arboretum Offers Hope for Threatened American Trees
When a single decrepit oak tree was found in May in a remote canyon in West Texas, it was a sign of hope for The Morton Arboretum’s efforts to preserve threatened trees in the United States and around the world
Your Support in 2022 is Essential
The generosity of donors has never been more vital to the present and future of The Morton Arboretum. Here are important details on how you can make your annual contribution to the Arboretum or renew your membership support in 2022
Special Donor Events in 2023
To show our appreciation for your support, The Morton Arboretum offers a number of events exclusively for its donors. Save the dates for these signature donor programs in the new year!
The Gerard T. Donnelly Grand Garden Opens
The opening celebration of the spectacular 2-acre garden also marked the Arboretum's centennial, honored Dr. Gerard T. Donnelly, who is retiring, and saluted the donors who made the garden possible
A Legacy that Lasts
The Arboretum's Jessica Anderson discusses the merits of legacy giving, highlighting how tree planting and planned giving both benefit future generations by leaving an enduring legacy for others to enjoy
