Dear Friends and Supporters,
In 2024, The Morton Arboretum took action for trees, expanded its reach and influence, and advanced its vision of a greener, healthier, more beautiful world where people and trees thrive together.
It was the first full year of impact guided by the Arboretum’s new strategic plan, and we made significant progress in our three interlinked priorities: people and communities are engaged and inspired; knowledge is advanced through collaborative scientific inquiry; and trees are protected, preserved, and supported.
The Arboretum’s community forestry program, the Chicago Region Trees Initiative, celebrated its 10th anniversary, including awarding nearly $15 million in federal funding to 61 community groups, nonprofits, and local governments for urban and community forestry work in priority areas across the state.
It was the first full year of the Center for Species Survival: Trees, designated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Global collaborations were advanced, including the publishing of the first Conservation Gap Analysis of Mesoamerican Oaks, which will inform the global conservation community in saving threatened trees in Mexico, Costa Rica, and elsewhere in a region where many tree species are endangered.
From the 17-year cicada emergence captivating record audiences internationally and nationally to Newsweek’s recognition of the Arboretum’s popular Summer Science Camps as one of the nation’s top summer camps, the Arboretum broadened awareness and access to our tree care expertise, while engaging visitors of all ages.
To guide us through the Arboretum’s second century, we developed a new Comprehensive Site Plan aligned with the strategic plan, including a transformational strategy to preserve and enhance our living collections, deepen and expand audience engagement, and advance breakthrough scientific research.
Thank you to our dedicated staff, volunteers, donors, members, and trustees. Your generous contributions made this year of significant innovation, growth, and impact possible.
With gratitude,
