Husky Heroes

Exciting winter action returns to The Morton Arboretum
when "Husky Heroes" run through the evergreen trees January 29 and 30, from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. These bright-eyed beauties love the cold winter months to show off what they do best: run!

"Every year, visitors return to watch these gorgeous, fluffy animals bolt through the course, displaying their dog sledding skills," says Diana Fischer-Woods, Arboretum coordinator of the Husky Heroes weekend.

More than 4,000 visitors typically attend the sledding events, which include a documentary on the huskies' remarkable history, and a chance to apply to become an adoptive or foster family for a husky.

"Dogsled Spectacular" – a demonstration of racing – is the main attraction! Huskies yelp with anticipation as their team prepares to run through the Conifer Collection. When it is finally their turn, they burst across the start line, tails wagging, while they pull their sled up and around the pines. Spectators cheer and applaud the four-legged stars!

In between runs, visitors get up close to deliver tummy rubs and ear scratches to the appreciative dogs, and take photos of them.

Visitors take time to warm up while watching "The Last Great Race," about the Siberian huskies' valiant history. The presentation focuses on 1925 when teams of huskies pulled sleds in temperatures near 40 below zero to get diphtheria medicine to a remote area of Alaska, just in time to save residents. The presentation occurs each day at noon, 1:30, and 3 p.m. Complimentary tickets are available at the Visitor Center one hour prior to each presentation.

Can't get enough of this wonderful breed? "Meet the Huskies" who are currently looking for forever homes. Adopt A Husky, Inc. will show off dogs available for adoption and take applications from interested parties. Be a hero to these heroes and provide them with a place to live. Most of the dogs are purebred, and each has been spayed or neutered.

All three Husky Heroes events are free with Arboretum admission, which is $11/adult, $10/senior, and $8/child ages 2-17. Under age 2 is free. Arboretum members are free. Parking is free.

Visitors are requested to leave their own pets at home.

The Morton Arboretum gratefully acknowledges our sponsors: Arboretum View Animal Hospital, ComEd, and Wente Family Estates, featured Wine Sponsor of the Arboretum.

The Morton Arboretum is a world-renowned leader in tree science and education, working to save and plant trees. The 1,700-acre outdoor museum features magnificent collections of 4,117 kinds of trees, shrubs, and other plants from around the world. The Arboretum's beautiful natural landscapes, gardens, research and education programs, and year-round family activities support its mission – the planting and conservation of trees and other plants for a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world. Conveniently located at I-88 and Rte. 53 in Lisle, Illinois, the Arboretum is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year, from 7 a.m. Central Time until sunset. The Children's Garden is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., March through October, and 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., November through February. Visit Press Room at www.mortonarb.org, call to learn more.