The
Morton Arboretum
Morton Arboretum
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Established in 1922 by Mr Joy Morton, the Morton Arboretum is a
magnificent botanical garden 25 miles (40 kilometers) west of Chicago.
Extending over 1700 acres (700 hectares), the garden contains more
than 41,000 plants from 3300 different species and attracts over
400,000 visitors each year.
The arboretum was created to collect and study flora from around
the world, displaying specimens in naturally landscaped environments
and to encourage the conservation and planting of trees to provide
a "greener, healthier and more beautiful world". An on-going research
program studies the survival of trees in polluted environments,
saves endangered trees and develops new more resilient varieties.
Winding through the gardens are 12 miles (19 kilometers) of footpaths
and 11 miles (18 kilometers) of paved roads for vehicles. Weather
permitting, the Acorn Express provides a one hour guided tour of
the arboretum on an open-air tram.
For details of opening times, exhibits and events, visit Morton
Arboretum official
website.
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