Joy Morton sought a greener world. Morton was the son of J. Sterling Morton. His father founded Arbor Day. Today we stand at Morton Park. This park is rooted in a legacy of planting trees.
Joy Morton founded the Morton Salt Company in 1885. He made it a leading producer in the U.S. and Canada. But his passion extended beyond business. He wanted to honor his family’s motto. The Morton family motto was “Plant Trees”.
In 1909, Joy Morton found a pastoral setting in Lisle. It was 25 miles west of Chicago. He built his country estate there. He called it Thornhill. By 1921, transforming Thornhill became his meaningful pursuit. He wanted to further his family’s tree-planting legacy.
The Morton Arboretum was founded in 1922. Joy sought advice from Dr. Charles Sprague Sargent. Sargent was the Director of the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University. Sargent helped shape the Morton Arboretum. He suggested gardens to visit. He also hired key personnel. Sargent recommended landscape architect O.C. Simonds. Simonds designed the Arboretum’s grounds. He emphasized the region’s indigenous plantings. He liked wide-open spaces.
The Morton Arboretum officially opened on December 14, 1922. Joy appointed seven family members to the Board of Trustees. He also appointed two Morton Salt executives. This ensured long-term leadership. He wanted to make sure his goals were fulfilled.
When Joy Morton died in 1934, the Arboretum spanned 735 acres. It included a landscape plan. There were many plantings and nurseries. Also, an extensive system of roads and paths. The Morton Park operated out of renovated farm buildings.
Today, Morton Park covers 1,700 acres. It holds over 4,600 types of plants. Some native maples are over 250 years old. Living collections include Asian and conifer trees. You can find elm and linden trees too. Ornamental flowering trees also grow here.
Drive along 9 miles of paved roads here. Or walk along 16 miles of wood-chipped trails. The trails meander through woodlands and prairies. Explore the Children’s Garden. It offers learning activities and water play. Kids can climb giant acorns. Wander through the Maze Garden. It’s a puzzle of twisty paths.
The Grand Garden opened in September 2022. It reimagines the Arboretum’s historic hedge garden. It features a landscaped promenade. Pergolas, water features and gathering spaces dot the area.
Mother Nature puts on dazzling shows year-round here. See daffodils in the spring. Experience the colors of fall foliage. In December, “Illumination” wraps around Meadow Lake. This creates a light-and-sound spectacle.
The Morton Arboretum is more than a park. It’s a museum of trees. It is a testament to Joy Morton’s vision. He wanted a greener, healthier, more beautiful world. Morton Park continues to evolve. It stays true to the Morton family motto. The motto will always be “Plant Trees.”