From Creek to Sewer: A History of Topographical Change in Philadelphia
Adam Levine
Environmental Historian and Author

In this fascinating illustrated lecture, Adam Levine will uncover a part of Philadelphia’s history that few people ever think about—the drastic changes made in the city’s landscape since its founding in 1682. The most significant change was the systematic obliteration of almost all the city’s streams. Buried deep underground in pipes as large as 20 feet in diameter, these former streams—some of which had watersheds that covered thousands of acres—became main drainage arteries in the city’s 3,000 mile sewer system. These massive alterations to the landscape, undertaken over two centuries, have environmental repercussions that are still being felt today. Adam Levine has worked for the Philadelphia Water Department since 1998, researching the city’s watersheds as well as its sewage and stormwater drainage systems. He is also the author of several books, including Guide to the Great Gardens of the Philadelphia Region and The Philadelphia Flower Show. His website is www.phillyh2o.org. (If you are interested in this topic, you may want to sign up for the trip, From Creek to Sewer: A Tour of Historic Wingohocking Creek on Saturday, October 13 )

Tuesday, September 25
7 – 8:30 p.m.
Members: $16:
Non-members: $18
Less than 5 reservations left!

History Comes Alive: Walk through Time at the Morris Arboretum
The Morris Players

Join us as costumed guides in Victorian attire greet you and assume the roles of maids, gardeners and friends of Arboretum founders, John and Lydia Morris. They will take you on an intimate tour of garden highlights and share some of the fascinating stories of the Arboretum’s rich history. We will begin with a presentation that traces the early days of the Arboretum. Old photographs and artifacts are used to illustrate the Morrises’ lifestyle, their world travels and the legacy they envisioned for their estate. The Morris Estate, known as Compton, was purchased in 1887 by brother and sister John and Lydia Morris, prominent Philadelphia Quakers. Picture taking is encouraged. Wear comfortable shoes.

Thursday, September 27
Raindate: Friday, September 28
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Members: $29
Non-members: $32

A Beer Tasting: Enjoy Oktoberfest Early

Beer is the world’s oldest and most popular alcoholic beverage and a great complement to a wide variety of food. Today’s microbreweries have transformed the beer market. These craft brewers are duplicating age-old techniques to develop their version of European classics and are experimenting, with creative new techniques, that have “pushed the envelope” in beer brewing. This has resulted in beers that are far different from the ones you remember your father drinking. Learn about the art and craft of beer making in this guided tasting conducted by well-known microbrew masters. Brewers will share information and give you the opportunity to sample a variety of interesting and tasty beers. Foods that complement beer well will be served. Bring friends and make this a social event.

Friday, September 28
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Members: $45
Non-members: $50

Rock Tower Meditation: The Art of Natural Balance
Steven J. Saffier
Audubon at Home Coordinator, John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove

Rock towers (cairns) have been used for centuries both ritualistically and to mark trails. Today, rock tower building can be used as an incredible and simple tool for meditation and focus. They can be created wherever and whenever rocks are found. Discover the power of the earth’s gravity by experiencing the art of rock tower building. See how the “noise” of the outside world quickly disappears as the inner balance of each rock is fused with the energy of the earth to create an incredible column of stone. Learn about the history and types of cairns; see ancient examples; then impress your friends, family and fellow trail-goers. Rocks and stone will be supplied to practice; all towers are temporary. Heavy lifting is not required. We will meet at Bloomfield Farm. Look for the paved road across Northwestern Avenue from the public garden entrance. Park in the lot at the side of the Horticulture Center, a large building that resembles a garage.

Sunday, September 30
1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Members: $26
Non-members: $28

Wine Tasting: Great Choices for Fall and Winter Entertaining
George Coates
Pennsylvania Regional Manager, William J. Deutsch & Sons, Ltd.

Kick off the fall season with a tasting of delicious wines that will complement your favorite fall foods and delight your holiday guests. Wines from growing regions in both the old and new world will be sampled and paired with a variety of tasty hors d’oeuvres. You will learn some tips on pairing wine with food which, when done correctly, brings out the flavor in both. We will concentrate on medium to full bodied wines and will taste both traditional examples like American Cabernet Sauvignon and less know examples like Gigondas, which are robust aromatic wines grown in the red clay soil of southern France. Expand you palette and learn tasting tips from an expert.

Friday, October 19
6 – 8 p.m.
Members: $70
Non-members: $75
FULL!

Botany for Beginners: A Look at the Fascinating World of Plants
Lindsey Weikel
Former Education Intern, Morris Arboretum

For gardeners planning a landscape, knowledge of how plants grow and what they need to thrive is essential. Gain a general understanding of the structure, functions, terminology, and processes of these important primary producers. Plants add beauty to the landscape and are the basis of nearly all food chains. They also generate oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide and provide the food, fiber, fuel and medicine that allow higher life forms to exist. The existence of plants is the key to our survival so plan to attend this class and learn the basic functions of these essential life forms.

Saturday, November 3
10 a.m. – 12 noon
Members: $23
Non-members: $26

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