Morton Arboretum hosts 16th annual Glass Pumpkin Patch

The Morton Arboretum is hosting its 16th annual Glass Pumpkin Patch from October 9 to 11. The event features over 8,000 handmade glass pumpkins and seasonal items created by artists from various regions, including the Midwest, Utah, New York, and North Carolina.

Items are crafted using furnaces heated to approximately 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, with prices ranging from $40 to several hundred dollars. Participating artists, such as Kit Paulson, provide demonstrations to show the complexity of the glass-making process. Sales from the event are split between the artists and the arboretum.

In conjunction with seasonal activities, the UW Arboretum has issued reminders regarding visitor etiquette and road safety during the busy fall season. Guidelines include staying on designated trails to protect habitats and adhering to a 20 mph speed limit on Arboretum/McCaffrey Drive to ensure the safety of pedestrians and wildlife.