Pre-Conference Social Activity (Optional)

Morton Arboretum Visit
Thursday, May 2, 2024. 1:00-4:00pm in Lisle, IL

***This event is currently full; we also are no longer taking anyone on the waiting list for this event***

Join us on Thursday afternoon as we visit the Morton Arboretum, a beautiful tree-filled landscape and internationally recognized tree-focused botanical garden and research center. We'll meet at the hotel and then board a bus to make a short 10-15 minute trip over to the Arboretum. Once we disembark, we will make our way to the Sterling Morton Library, where the Arboretum's librarian will provide a 20-30 minute overview of the library, highlighting key collections and providing insights into the role of librarians in this unique setting. After this overview, you will have the option to link up with a LOEX volunteer to explore the grounds; alternatively, you may go off on your own.

The group with a LOEX volunteer will start by visiting the Gerard T. Donnelly Grand Garden, a showcase celebrating the 100-year anniversary of the arb; then it will proceed from there based on desires of the group. If you decide to go with the LOEX volunteer, recognize this is not a guided tour; it is just an option for exploring the grounds as a group.

There will be two shuttle bus trip options, both from and back to the hotel. Attendees may also drive themselves and meet up with the group. Once at the Morton Arboretum, it is your option (depending on how long you wish to stay), to return via bus either at 3:00pm or 3:45pm. Of course, you can leave earlier or later on your own (e.g., personal car; Uber/Lyft).  

Logistics

1:00pm                      Depart from Hotel by Bus (Group 1)
1:15pm                      Arrive at Arboretum

1:45pm                      Depart from Hotel by Bus (Group 2)
2:00pm                      Arrive at Arboretum
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3:00pm                      Depart from Arboretum to go back to Hotel (Trip 1)
3:15pm                      Arrive back at Hotel

3:45pm                      Depart from Arboretum to go back to Hotel (Trip 2)
4:00pm                      Arrive back at Hotel  

Cost is $17 per person—this covers admission and bus transportation from/to hotel; it is paid to LOEX (who is purchasing group tickets). Capacity is limited to 20 people per group (so a max of 40 people total).

Note this activity is rain or shine (unless notified by the Arboretum that it is closed due to adverse weather conditions). Please wear appropriate clothing and shoes.