Read Sophia’s letter about how important the Garden was for members, visitors, and students during an uncertain year.

Please click here to read Sophia’s letter.




Holiday Tree Lighting and Behind-the-Scenes Tour of Wonderland Express

Tuesday, November 24, 4:30 to 7 p.m.
Tree Lighting Ceremony begins at 5 p.m.

Don’t miss the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Wonderland Express, featuring seasonal activities, entertainment, and refreshments. Plus, families are invited to tour Wonderland Express before it opens to the public!

 register online  or call the President’s Circle hotline,
(847) 835-6925.

Camp CBG Priority Registration

Beginning December 1

President’s Circle members are invited to take advantage of priority registration for Camp CBG.

For a registration form, please e-mail or call (847) 835-6925.

All Aboard! Wonderland Express Dinner

Thursday, December 3
Cocktails, 6:30 p.m.; Dinner, 8 p.m.

The Woman's Board of the Chicago Horticultural Society presents its fourth annual All Aboard! Wonderland Express dinner. Tickets begin at $375 per person. Table packages are available. Call (847) 835-6944 for tickets and information.




Lenhardt Library Rare Book Collection Tour and Dinner

On November 3, President’s Circle members were treated to an exclusive look at the Lenhardt Library’s Rare Book Collection, including a lecture by curator Ed Valauskas, tour of the Rare Book Collection in the Library, and intimate dinner. Many thanks to Ben and Cindy Lenhardt for hosting this wonderful evening.

View photographs from past President’s Circle events (the password is “circle”).






Give the gift of the Garden to those you cherish! Memberships are the perfect gift for every season, offering family and friends a full year of free parking, benefits, and discounts throughout the Garden.

Get an early start on your holiday shopping at The Garden Shop for unique garden, home, and environmentally friendly gifts for everyone on your list.

Let the Garden help you find just the right way to celebrate the holidays. Distinctive tribute gift opportunities begin at $50. Click here or call the Tribute Gift Program at (847) 835-8333 for more information!

Tip for Year-end Giving

President’s Circle members over age 70-1/2 may want to consider making their annual gift through their IRA. An act of Congress makes this possible, but only through December 31, 2009. To take advantage of this special opportunity, consult your professional advisor for details, and request your charitable distribution in time for your gift to arrive at the Garden by December 31.



I want to thank The Burnham Plan Centennial Committee in collaboration with Chicago Metropolis 2020, Openlands, Mayor Daley’s Nature and Wildlife Committee, Chicago Wilderness, and the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus for co-hosting with the Garden the two-day Chicago Nature & Wildlife Research Summit. It was a special pleasure to welcome to the Garden keynote speaker Dr. Eric W. Sanderson, a senior conservation ecologist for the Wildlife Conservation Society.

Every day, it is an honor and privilege to serve the Chicago Botanic Garden and I am so grateful for your support. You help us bring joy to people’s lives and help to save the planet by saving plants. Please know I would love to hear from you any time.

With warm holiday greetings to you and your family,

Sophia Siskel
President & CEO
Chicago Botanic Garden