Food for the body and the brain! Do you care about environmental issues in the Chicago region? The Morton Arboretum does too - and we're coming to your neighborhood to talk about today's hottest environmental topics! The Arboretum's “Zone 5 Science Cafés” bring local experts and interested citizens together in the comfortable atmosphere of the café at your local Whole Foods Market and other regional locations. Share opinions, ideas, and plans for the future as you discuss cutting edge environmental topics of local relevance to the upper Midwest, including climate change, local food, and more. Join us on the third Thursday of the month in spring, summer, and fall for snacks and networking followed by a panel discussion.

Why "Zone 5"? Natural areas professionals, horticulturalists, and gardeners need a way to compare their climates with the climate where a plant is known to grow well. Climate zone maps are tools created by the USDA that show where various permanent landscape plants can adapt based on the year round conditions in the area. The Chicago region is currently in Zone 5 – but how up to date is this information in light of our changing climate?

The Morton...who? The Morton Arboretum is a world-renowned leader in tree science and education, working to save and plant trees. The 1,700-acre outdoor museum features magnificent collections of 4,117 kinds of trees, shrubs, and other plants from around the world. The Arboretum's beautiful natural landscapes, gardens, research and education programs, and year-round family activities support its mission – the planting and conservation of trees and other plants for a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world. Visit www.mortonarb.org to learn more.