A good place to learn the trees of Illinois firsthand is the Morton
Arboretum at Lisle, some twenty-five miles west of Chicago. This
privately endowed educational and scientific institution is devoted to
growing all kinds of woody plants that will survive in northern
Illinois. On the Arboretum’s 1500 acres one can find large collections
of oaks, maples, elms, ashes, lindens, junipers, pines, firs, spruces,
and numerous other groupings of woody plants from places throughout the
temperate world.
Certain collections in the Arboretum are along designated trails and are
especially useful in learning to identify trees. Perhaps the most
popular is the Illinois Trees Trail, where native trees are identified
by plaques that show common and scientific names and give other
interesting information about the trees. Another is the Evergreen Trail,
which features conifers.
Some trails emphasize ecology or other aspects of biology but also
feature trees. One of these is the Thornhill Trail, a general nature
trail on which trees are prominent. Another trail links nearby nature
study areas, including a mini-prairie, a wild flower garden, a northern
coniferous forest, and a pond-marsh. A short garden trail, the Viburnum
Walk, is unusual in that it utilizes a grouping of Viburnums and their
relatives to illustrate some of the principles of plant classification.
Landscape plantings are another important feature in the Arboretum, and
the extensive forested areas provide a dramatic backdrop for cultivated
plantings that have been blended skillfully into the natural landscape.
These are especially spectacular in spring when flowering trees are in
bloom and in fall when the foliage is in color.
At the Morton Arboretum there is a continuous effort to learn more about
the adaptability of trees and shrubs to the special growing conditions
of northern Illinois, especially the soils and climate. The natural
forests are being used as an outdoor laboratory for ecological studies,
and certain cultivated collections are experimental. The Street Tree
Collection, for example, is a large experimental assemblage of various
trees thought to be suitable for street and shade purposes. The Heath
(Ericaceous) Collection is valuable in determining the cultural
requirements for growing certain azaleas and rhododendrons in northern
Illinois.
The Morton Arboretum has been designed for learning through outdoor
experiences. The grounds are open every day of the year, and visitors
are always welcome. A modest admission fee is charged for each car
entering. In the Visitor Center, an overall orientation is offered
through exhibits and audio-visual presentations explaining the purposes
and functions of the Arboretum. Groups planning to visit should request
advance information about seasonal features, current hours, special
programs, and eating facilities. The varied opportunities and abundant
facilities at the Morton Arboretum make visits both pleasant and
memorable.