Arboretum Celebrates Arbor Day With 10K Run, Curious George

from the Morton Arboretum

Looking for some family-friendly ways to celebrate Arbor Day? The Morton Arboretum offers options for runners, readers, and gardeners alike.

Arbor Day 10K Run (April 22, 8 a.m.)

Let your shoes speak for the trees! The “Arbor Day 10K Run” supports the Arboretum’s mission to plant and protect trees with a joyful run through our lush grounds. Feel the freshness of spring air; see the wonders of nature running through a vast collection of trees, and taste the challenge of a USATF-certified hilly course. The Arboretum also offers a ChronoTrack B-Tag timing system, recovery food, and $5 pancake breakfast after the race.

Entry free grants participants access to explore the 1,700-acre grounds after the race.  Costs $33 in advance; $38 day of race ($28 for Arboretum members in advance; $38 day of race). Not a member? The Arboretum’s 10K Runners Special New Member Offer includes member registration price plus a 1-year Morton 1 membership for only $72. Register at mortonarb.org or call 630-968-0074.

Garden Story Time and Tree Planting (April 27)
Celebrate the environmental holiday friends, and everyone’s favorite children’s book character, Curious George! Curious George will lead the celebratory walk from the Children’s Garden to the tree planting site. Listen to a tree-inspiring story, and then help Curious George plant a tree!  After the planting George will take a short banana break. After George’s snack, he will return to the Arboretum Store to
hang with the kids before leading “A Curious Walk with Curious George.” Curious George and a docent friend will guide families around Meadow Lake pointing out some unusual trees while telling stories. (Curious George will be taking 15-minute banana breaks throughout the day.)

All ages. Free with Arboretum admission.

• 10:45-11:30 a.m.: Celebratory walk from Children’s Garden to story and tree planting.
• 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. : George’s playtime in the store.
• 1-1:45 p.m. - “Curious Walk with Curious George”  

Arbor Celebration (April 27-29, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., weather permitting)
Hooray for trees! Show your love for trees and nature at the “Arbor Celebration” in the Children’s Garden. Plant tree seeds, investigate tree cookies and hunt for five unique trees hiding in the garden. This is a self-guided hands-on discovery activity. All ages. Free with Arboretum admission.