Guest Artist: Chris Baker, Curator of Bonsai at the Chicago Botanic Garden

Sunday, June 14 • 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
North Pavilion, Blackwell Forest Preserve, Warrenville, IL

Join us for the annual PSBS summer picnic at the beautiful Blackwell Forest Preserve! Enjoy a relaxed afternoon of great food, conversation, and camaraderie with fellow bonsai enthusiasts and their families.

Chris Baker

This year we’ll be joined by Chris Baker, Curator of Bonsai at the Chicago Botanic Garden, as our guest artist. Chris has been the first full-time Curator of Bonsai at the Garden since 2014, and under his stewardship the bonsai collection has more than doubled its display of quality trees. He trained under bonsai master Toru Suzuki at the Diajuen Nursery in Japan in 2012 and currently serves as President of the North American Bonsai Federation and a board member of the World Bonsai Friendship Federation. Bring a tree and your tools — Chris and other experienced members will be happy to offer advice and guidance.

What the Club Provides

• Hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, buns, and condiments
• Drinks (soda and water) and ice
• Plates, plasticware, and napkins
• Bonsai wire

What to Bring

• Your family — everyone is welcome!
• A dish to share
• Lawn chairs
• A bonsai tree and your tools (for advice from Chris and others)

Directions to the North Pavilion

Enter Blackwell Forest Preserve from the north side of Butterfield Road (IL Route 56), just west of Winfield Road. After the first stop sign, continue 0.8 miles. You’ll pass two stop signs, the South Shelter sign, Boat Launch sign, West Shelter sign, and West Division Ranger Office sign. After the road curves right around the lake, you will see the North Shelter sign on your right. The North Pavilion has bathrooms with flush toilets, running water, and a built-in barbecue grill.

Please note: Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in DuPage County Forest Preserve District facilities. There is no admission fee to enter the preserve.