Vanishing acts: trees under threat exhibit opens at Morton Arboretum

Posted on September 6th 2011 by Amy Hinsley

A new outdoor exhibit at The Morton Arboretum shows that trees that we know and love are endangered in the wild. Produced in partnership with the Global Trees Campaign, the exhibit highlights that by protecting these trees, we help ourselves and the entire planet.

The exhibit explores the uses of and threats to a number of threatened trees, including the wild apple, the bristlecone pine and the Fraser fir.

Viewers are invited to embark upon a global journey exploring 15 compelling tree stories from around the world. Each story reflects the exhibit’s primary theme—that we must protect and save endangered trees so that future generations may experience their numerous benefits, including medicinal, agricultural, ecological and aesthetic.

“To save trees, we can accomplish more together than we can individually,” says Gerard Donnelly, President and CEO of The Morton Arboretum. “With 8,000 endangered tree species worldwide, it’s a huge issue with a direct link to climate change and other factors affecting the health of plants, people, and the planet.”

Exhibit panels include world maps showing where the trees live, and engaging stories about vital conservation efforts. Viewers will find simple, specific action steps to promote tree conservation efforts, including planting trees, supporting organizations that plant and protect trees, and sharing what they’ve learned with others. Funding for this exhibit comes from The Morton Arboretum and the U.S. Institute for Museum and Library Services, Museums for America Grant Program.

Vanishing Acts will be shown at the Morton Arboretum until September 2012, and will also tour other botanic gardens nationally, starting with Brookgreen Gardens in South Carolina from Sept 2011-Feb 2012.

The Vanishing Acts exhibit is running from Sept 2, 2011–Sept 2, 2012, 7 a.m.-sunset and is located in the Conifer Collection, just a short stroll off the Conifer Walk. For visitor information see the websites of The Morton Arboretum and Brookgreen Botanic Garden.