Events
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Saying goodbye to an iconic Austrian pine
We are saying goodbye to our 117+ yo Austrian pine. The incredible tree that has held a prominent place on the top of the quad has died likely due to age and illness. It is set to be removed thie last week in June in preparation for summer activities on the quad. To read more about the pine's life at ISU, see our article here.
Guided Tree and Plant Walks
Series of the Seasons: Autumnal Equinox Tree Tour
Join us in celebrating the Autumnal Equinox by taking a walk through the arboretum on September 23rd from 2-3PM. Meet at the benches on the east side of Felmley Hall of Science. We will welcome in the season that brings everyones's favorite autumn colors, cucurbits, and cold weather!
Schedule a Tree Tour for you & your group
Guided walks are hosted at Illinois State University on the 490 acre campus. The guided walks can be tailored to the interests of visiting groups. Tours are a perfect activity for many groups, including: school children, professional organizations, academic groups, scouting, retirees, garden enthusiasts, landscape professionals, artists, history enthusiasts, and others. During these walks, you will be able to see the details of trees that may often be overlooked. You might learn of trees and plants that you would like to see in your own landscape, or smell the winter green in Birch bark, or possibly even find rubber growing in trees.
General Information & Tips
- Starting location can be requested and vary based on the audience
- Tour are approximately an hour long
- Wear sensible walking shoes
- Dress for the weather
- May bring your camera
- Ask questions
- Bring along some hydration
Further tree walk information is available by calling/emailing Biological Sciences at:
Community Outreach
Illinois State University and The Fell Arboretum value the long-standing relationship between the university and the surrounding community. Community outreach is vital to the mission of the Fell Arboretum. Important community outreach activities include the following:
- Support of community and college horticulture and gardening clubs
- Educational presentations and guest speaking at various community locations
- Support of cities, schools, and healthcare campus's associated with the values of the Arbor Day Foundation
- The Town of Normal
- The City of Bloomington
- Westminster Village
- Heartland Community College
- Support of local nature centers and preservation areas
- Funk’s Grove Nature Center
- Parklands Foundation Preserve
- Children and Elder’s Forest
- ISU Horticulture Center
Fell Arboretum Plant Sale
This event was started in 1870 by Jessie Fell and offers a unique experience for all. Although they sold oats and potatoes in Fell’s era, today more difficult-to-find plants that have been grown at Illinois State University are available for purchase. Interesting selections include the following examples:
- Heirloom tomatoes & other produce vegetables
- Native prairie plants, such as Rattle Snake Master or Compass Plant
- Woodland wild flowers
- Delightfully odd trees
Illinois State University faculty, staff and students will provide customers with answers to all of their plant and gardening questions. All sale proceeds directly support the Fell Arboretum.
The plant sale has historically taken place on the first Saturday in the month of May. The sale is not planned for 2024, the Tree Campus Higher Education Committee is considering new possibilities - please stay tuned.
Arbor Day/Earth Day Events
In the spirit of Jesse Fell, Illinois State University hosts a variety of events focused on the celebration of trees and the conservation of nature. Such events include:
- Tree planting demonstrations
- Tree care workshops
- Tree dedications
- Pioneer tool workshops
- Seed collection outings
Earth Day Events
Join us at Sustainability's Earth Day Breakfast, April 18, 2024 featuring Keynote Speaker artist-activist, LaToya Ruby Frazier. It will be from 8-10AM in the Brown Ballroom, at Illinois State University. Get your tickets using this link.
Arbor Day Events
Stay tuned for information about upcoming Arbor Day tree plantings.