Events
Guided Tree and Plant Walks
Guided walks are hosted at Illinois State University on the 490 acre campus. The guided walks are designed to speak to the interests of various groups. The walks are a perfect activity for all kinds of groups, examples would include: school children, professional organizations, academic groups, scouting, retirees, garden enthusiasts, landscape professionals, artists, history enthusiast, 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 will vary based on the audience
- Event duration is an hour or less
- Wear sensible walking shoes
- Dress for the weather
- 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 local nature centers and preservation areas
- Funk’s Grove Nature Center
- Parkland’s Foundation Preserve
- Children and Elder’s Forest
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 2023, 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 - April 22, 2023
- Join us at the Earth Day Breakfast, April 20, 2023 featuring Keynote Speaker global human rights advocate, Nasreen Sheikh.
- Additional events are being finalized and will be shared soon. Please check back to the website for additional information.
Arbor Day - April 28, 2023
Tree Plantings
- Join us for 4 tree plantings around ISU's campus as we celebrate Arbor Day and honor all the things a tree can be!
- There is no cost to participate and no tools needed
- Registration required.
Planting dates & locations are as follows:
- Wed 4/19, 10 a.m. North end of the Quad
- Wed 4/19, 2 p.m. South side of the Bone Student Center by College Avenue
- Tue 4/25, 2 p.m. East lawn of Milner Library
- Wed 4/26, 2 p.m. Behind Horton Field House on West Campus
Arbor Day Adventure Goosechase
- April 24th-28th you can download the goosechase app to join the Arbor Day Adventure scavenger hunt and complete missions in the Fell Arboretum.
- If you complete all of the missions by the end of the week you can pick up a Fell Arboretum sticker!
- Code to join the scavenger hunt to come.