When Joy Morton established The Morton Arboretum in 1922, he envisioned a “great outdoor museum” of trees. Today, our living collections inspire visitors to appreciate, learn about, plant, and protect trees. The Arboretum champions the world's trees through plant collections, science and conservation, education, and outreach.
The Morton Arboretum's 1,700 acres hold more than 222,000 live plants representing nearly 4,300 taxa from around the world. Situated on the rolling Valparaiso moraine and bisected by the East Branch of the DuPage River, the Arboretum is planned and planted to nurture and display trees and shrubs in environments conducive to their growth.
The Arboretum conducts leading scientific research on tree health and tree improvement, collects and displays trees for study and enjoyment on the grounds, offers educational programming for adults and children, and presents nature-related activities year-round for people of all ages and interests.
Also on the grounds are the Visitor Center with The Arboretum Store and Ginkgo Restaurant and Café, four-acre Children’s Garden, one-acre Maze Garden, Sterling Morton Library, Plant Clinic, nine miles of roads, and 16 miles of trails.
Notes:
The registrars office is the one who confirms registrations ([email protected]). They respond to emails Monday through Friday between 8:30 and 4pm.
If a student registers through Coursehorse on Friday evening for a Saturday class, we will not have a way to confirm them.
Reviews of The Morton Arboretum
(4.5-star rating across
15 reviews)
Beginning iPhone Photography (Online)
Reviewed by Therese Z. on 2/7/2021
I learned several tricks that will help me use my iPhone more effectively. The presenters were well organized and built in practice time within the class. It can be hard to teach on zoom and these teachers did a very good job.
Handmade Bookbinding Workshop
Reviewed by Elizabeth B. on 2/7/2020
The teacher was very nice and informed about the subject. I did learn quite a bit. I had issues with the pacing and organization of the class. Also, there were two students enrolled that sort of pushed the instructor to go faster/do things not in the course plan and we did not do the final hardcover book with a spine.
Or if we did I wasn't aware of it because of the chaos.
Spring Ikebana: Japanese Floral Arranging
Anonymous review on 6/30/2019
Excellent class.
Great teacher.
Woodcraft Workshop: DIY Reclaimed Birdhouse
Reviewed by Vicky K. on 6/16/2019
Good instructor - very knowledgeable and helpful as were all the other helpers. Class was totally hands-on, even with the power tools, which was nice. Helpers were there at all times for those that needed help or guidance, so it was comfortable for all levels of experience. There was a good choice of weathered wood to choose from. A nice feature was that the back of each plank had been planed to show fresh wood, giving participants a choice of using either the weathered side, or the "new" side. Extra bits of wood were provided for those who wanted to add additional features to their birdhouse.
The only reason for 4 stars instead of 5 is because there could have been a little more instruction and a better ratio of tools to participants. A sheet of basic instructions, including measurements of the birdhouses would have been helpful. I realize it's a lot of work to haul power tools and wood to an event, but 2 saws and 3 nail guns for 15 people meant for a lot of waiting around.
All in all, We came home with birdhouses that we're quite happy with and would recommend the class to others, especially if they'd like a fully hands-on class and the chance to use power tools.
Growing a Productive Edible Garden (Online)
Anonymous review on 3/14/2021
The Prairie in Art and Literature (Online)
Reviewed by Maureen B. on 2/25/2021
The Secrets of Bird Identification (Online)
Anonymous review on 1/31/2021
The Secrets of Bird Identification (Online)
Reviewed by Frances S. on 1/30/2021
Beginning Beekeeping
Anonymous review on 2/27/2020
Valentine Floral Design
Anonymous review on 2/10/2020
Meditation and Essential Oils
Reviewed by Catherine G. on 1/24/2020
Beginning Beekeeping
Anonymous review on 10/10/2019
Spring Ikebana: Japanese Floral Arranging
Reviewed by Lorena J. on 9/29/2019
Sensational Summer Side Dishes
Reviewed by Mary Ann S. on 8/16/2019
Woodcraft Workshop: DIY Reclaimed Birdhouse
Reviewed by Jim K. on 6/22/2019
Review Summary by CourseHorse
Students have generally positive things to say about the classes at The Morton Arboretum. They appreciate the knowledge and organization of the teachers, as well as the practice time built into the classes. One student specifically mentions learning tricks to use their iPhones more effectively. In the woodworking class, students enjoyed the hands-on style and appreciated the help and guidance from the instructors and assistants. They liked the choice of weathered wood and the option to use either the weathered or "new" side of the planks. Overall, students were able to walk away from the classes at The Morton Arboretum with new skills and completed projects that they were happy with. They would recommend the classes to others, particularly for those who enjoy hands-on learning and the opportunity to use power tools.
Direct quotes:
- "I learned several tricks that will help me use my iPhone more effectively."
- "The teacher was very nice and informed about the subject. I did learn quite a bit."
- "All in all, We came home with birdhouses that we're quite happy with and would recommend the class to others, especially if they'd like a fully hands-on class and the chance to use power tools."
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