The Morton Arboretum: A Legacy of Conservation and Education
Established as a sanctuary for trees and a center for environmental study, The Morton Arboretum stands as a testament to the vision of the Morton family. Founded on December 14, 1922, by Joy Morton—the founder of the Morton Salt Company—the institution was built upon a family legacy of forestry, as Joy's father, Julius Sterling Morton, was the founder of Arbor Day.
The arboretum's physical foundation began with the Thornhill estate, a 175-acre property established in 1910. This estate served as the core of the original grounds, blending private residence with a growing passion for botanical preservation.
Key Facts
- Founded: December 14, 1922, by Joy Morton.
- Original Core: The 175-acre Thornhill estate.
- Major Project: The Schulenberg Prairie restoration, started in 1962.
- Governance: A nonprofit managed by a volunteer board of trustees.
- Educational Hub: The Thornhill Education Center, which preserves the original Founder's Room.
Evolution of Education and Infrastructure
Education has always been a pillar of the arboretum's mission. In 1940, Jean Cudahy (Morton) hired May Theilgaard Watts to spearhead a new educational program, which evolved into a comprehensive nature and art curriculum.
To support these efforts, the Morton family requested an educational center be built where their home once stood. While most of the original house was razed in the early 1940s following the passing of Margaret Morton, the Founder's Room—Joy Morton's former library—was preserved and remains a part of the Thornhill Education Center today.
The Schulenberg Prairie Restoration
One of the arboretum's most significant scientific achievements is the Schulenberg Prairie restoration project. Initiated in 1962, the project began when the first superintendent, Clarence Godshalk, sought to create a native planting buffer on the western border of the arboretum using farmland acquired in the late 1950s.
Godshalk tasked Ray Schulenberg with the mission of transforming old farmland back into a native prairie. To ensure ecological accuracy, Schulenberg focused on replicating the composition, structure, and local gene pools of nearby prairies. This rigorous scientific approach was supported by a multidisciplinary team, including taxonomist (a scientist specializing in classification) Floyd Swink, biologist Robert Betz, and landscape architect David Kropp.
Leadership and Governance
The Morton Arboretum is governed by a volunteer board of trustees. For over five decades, the chairmanship remained within the Morton family, passing from Joy Morton to his daughter Jean M. Cudahy (Morton) in 1934, then to her brother Sterling in 1953, and finally to Sterling's daughter, Suzette Morton Davidson, in 1961. In 1977, Charles C. Hafner III became the first non-family member to serve as chairman.
Executive Leadership Timeline
The operational direction of the arboretum has been guided by four primary executive leaders:
- Clarence Godshalk (1939–1966)
- Marion Trufant Hall, Ph.D. (1966–1990)
- Gerard T. Donnelly, Ph.D. (1990–2022)
- Jill Koski (2022–Present)
| Year | Event/Milestone | Key Figure(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1922 | Establishment of the Arboretum | Joy Morton |
| 1940 | Launch of nature and art education | May Theilgaard Watts |
| 1962 | Start of Schulenberg Prairie restoration | Ray Schulenberg & Clarence Godshalk |
| 1977 | First non-family Board Chairman | Charles C. Hafner III |
| 2022 | Appointment of current President and CEO | Jill Koski |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded The Morton Arboretum?
The Morton Arboretum was founded on December 14, 1922, by Joy Morton, the founder of the Morton Salt Company.
What is the significance of the Schulenberg Prairie?
Started in 1962, it is a restoration project that turned former farmland into a native prairie by replicating the local gene pools, structure, and composition of surrounding native prairies.
What remains of the original Morton family home?
While most of the house was razed in the early 1940s, the Founder's Room, which served as Joy Morton's library, is still preserved within the Thornhill Education Center.
How is the arboretum governed?
The Morton Arboretum is a nonprofit organization governed by a volunteer board of trustees.
Who is the current leader of the arboretum?
Jill Koski became the president and CEO of The Morton Arboretum in 2022.