for immediate release

Roam the Garden After Hours During Nature Nights

Saturdays, June 13, July 11, Aug. 8, Sept. 12, and Oct. 10

Media Only:
Julie McCaffrey
(847) 835-8213, direct
jmccaffrey@chicagobotanic.org

GLENCOE, Ill. (June 8, 2009)—Spend an evening exploring the Garden with family and friends at Nature Nights! Families bring a picnic dinner to enjoy in the Garden and then they explore the Garden at these fun, hands-on programs, which include a short tram ride, potting up a plant to take home and making S'mores at the Children's Garden.

"Woodland Walk" on June 13 takes families into McDonald Woods to learn outdoor skills such as map reading and hiking safety. They'll discover the animals that make their homes in the woods and explore the trees and plants native to Illinois woodlands. At "Prairie Adventure" on July 11, families will visit the Dixon Prairie and use scientific tools to get a closer look at the plants and animals, exploring how they adapt to changing conditions in their environment. "Aquatic Investigation" on August 8 lets families get a close look at aquatic habitats, find out about the plants and animals in the water, and learn about waterways and how to keep them clean. "Phenomenal Plants" on September 12 takes families into the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden to investigate the many uses of plants, such as clothing, shelter, and especially food! They'll use plants to do a tie-dye project. At "Sculpture Scavenger Hunt" on October 10, families will discover how nature inspires sculptures, create a sculpture using natural materials, and design a container garden to take home.

Preregistration is required at least one week in advance online, fax, or mail only. Nature Nights is designed for children ages 4-10; adults must accompany children; limit three children per adult. Hours are from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on June 13, July 11, Aug. 8, Sept. 12, and Oct. 10. Cost is $23 per child. Chicago Botanic Garden Plus members pay $20 per child. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/naturenights to register or for more information.

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Editors, please note: The Chicago Botanic Garden's newsroom is online at www.chicagobotanic.org/pr. For digital images, contact Julie McCaffrey at (847) 835-8213 or at jmccaffrey@chicagobotanic.org.

The Chicago Botanic Garden, one of the green treasures of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, is a 385-acre living plant museum featuring 23 distinct display gardens surrounded by lakes, as well as a prairie and woodlands. With events, programs and activities for all ages, the Garden is open every day of the year. Admission is free; select event fees apply. Parking is $20 per car; free for Garden members. The Garden is located at 1000 Lake Cook Road in Glencoe, Ill. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org, or call (847) 835-5440 for seasonal hours, images of the Garden and commuter transportation information.

The Chicago Botanic Garden is managed by the Chicago Horticultural Society. It opened to the public in 1972 and is home to the Joseph Regenstein, Jr. School of the Chicago Botanic Garden, offering a broad array of adult classes in plant science, landscape design and gardening arts. Through the Division of Plant Science and Conservation, Garden scientists work on plant conservation, research and environmental initiatives that have global impact. The Center for Teaching and Learning brings the wonder of nature and plants to children, teens and teachers. The Garden's Horticultural Therapy and Community Gardening programs provide nationally recognized community outreach and service programs. A program of the Chicago Botanic Garden, Windy City Harvest is an organic vegetable and plant production enterprise that provides instruction in sustainable horticulture and urban agriculture to residents of Chicago’s North Lawndale and West Side neighborhoods.

The Chicago Botanic Garden is accredited by the American Association of Museums and is a member of the American Public Gardens Association (APGA). The Chicago Botanic Garden is also host to Botanic Gardens Conservation International-U.S., and a member of the Center for Plant Conservation. In 2006, the Chicago Botanic Garden received the Award for Garden Excellence, given yearly by the APGA and Horticulture magazine to a public garden that exemplifies the highest standards of horticultural practices and has shown a commitment to supporting and demonstrating best gardening practices.