Trips
Spring Birding | Birding at the Jersey Shore
Wildflower Preserve Trip |
Central Park Tour
Hedgleigh Spring Tour |
Wonders of the Wissahickon
Perennials for Shade |
Birding at Mill Grove
Mt. Cuba and Thyrums | Governor’s Residence
Nesting Birds | Nurseryman's Private Garden Tour
| March 5 |
Spring Birding at Middle Creek Management Area
Wednesday, March 5
8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Ruth Pfeffer - Expert Birder and Trip Leader
If you have never seen thousands of snow geese with their black-tipped white feathers take flight together, here is your opportunity. Join expert birder, Ruth Pfeffer, for a day of birding in the beautiful Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area to see this awe-inspiring phenomenon. Middle Creek is a special area with more than 5,000 acres of excellent
habitat for water fowl. It has a 400-acre lake, scattered ponds and acres of wetlands that attract some 40,000 snow geese and 4,000 tundra swans in the early spring as flocks of these birds migrate through Pennsylvania. We will also see migrating ducks and raptors. Middle Creek is located near Kleinfeltersville in Lebanon County, PA. Dress for the weather. Bring binoculars, a lunch and something to drink. Meet at the Widener Visitors Center. We will travel by bus.
Members: $70
Non-members: $84
Call to register for classes (215) 247-5777 ext 156 or 125 |
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| April 17 |
Birding at the New Jersey Shore
Thursday, April 17
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Ruth Pfeffer - Expert Birder and Trip Leader
Join us for a day of birding at the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge. This southern New Jersey refuge, which features over 43,000 acres of protected coastal habitat, is located in one of the Atlantic flyways most active flight paths. It provides tidal marsh and meadow habitats as well as shallow coves and bays that are important resting and feeding
habitats for migratory water birds. We will see birds that have wintered in Central and South America and are returning, in their colorful breeding plumage, to breed or pass through for breeding further north. Ruth will share her knowledge and spotting scope. Dress for the weather as it is usually windy along the coast. Bring binoculars, lunch and something to drink. Park in the meadow next to the entrance kiosk. We will travel by bus.
Members: $75
Non-members: $90
Call to register for classes (215) 247-5777 ext 156 or 125 |
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| April 23 |
Shenk’s Ferry Wildflower Preserve Trip
Wednesday, April 23
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. FULL!
Tim Block - Director of Botany, Morris Arboretum
Ann Rhoads - Senior Botanist
Shenk’s Ferry is one of the most impressive wildflower sanctuaries in the eastern United States. Located in Lancaster County on the shores of the Susquehanna River, this 50-acre preserve features a display of unbelievable beauty including acres of trillium, bluebells, shooting stars, Dutchmen’s britches, columbine, blue phlox, and many other woodland wildflowers. These wildflower communities are unusually diverse for
Pennsylvania and more typical of the southern Appalachian Mountains. Short walks totaling only a mile or two will take us to several ravines in the lower river valley. Ann and Tim, Arboretum botanists, will help you
identify the wildflowers that you see. We will meet at the Arboretum and travel by small bus. Park in the meadow next to the entrance kiosk. Please bring your lunch and something to drink.
Members: $70
Non-members: $84
Call to register for classes (215) 247-5777 ext 156 or 125 |
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| April 29 |
Central Park Tour: New York City’s Crowned Jewel
Tuesday, April 29
7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Join us for a guided walking tour of New York City’s Central Park. Since its completion in 1873 as the first landscaped public park in the U.S., Central Park has continually been one of the top tourist destinations in New York City. New Yorkers depend on it as the one true refuge and sanctuary the city offers. Tourists flock to such treasures as Strawberry Fields, Bethesda Terrace, The Ramble, and the secluded, beautiful Conservatory Gardens. Our lunch will be at Tavern on the Green, a
grand café in the heart of Central Park and one of New York's most dazzling dining experiences overflowing with crystal chandeliers, hand-carved mirrors, and stained glass. Our trip features two guided walks.
The first begins at Tavern on the Green and covers the lower portion of the park. After lunch we will be taken by bus to the Conservatory Gardens at the upper end of the Park. The trip includes two guided tours, lunch and bus transportation. Meet at the Morris Arboretum. Park in the meadow next to the entrance kiosk. Registrations or refunds will not be made after April 15.
Members: $150
Non-members: $160
Call to register for classes (215) 247-5777 ext 156 or 125 |
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April 30
May 17
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Hedgleigh Spring Garden Tour
Section A: Wednesday, April 30
10 a.m. – 12 noon FULL!
Section B: Saturday, May
17
10 a.m. – 12 noon
Charles Cresson
Take a tour of Hedgleigh Spring with avid gardener, author and plantsman, Charles Cresson, who will personally guide you through his residential garden in Swarthmore. This two-acre garden has been part of Cresson family life for more than a century. The house sits on a sweeping lawn surrounded by ancient oaks and black gum underplanted with mature azaleas and dogwoods. The central flower garden of roses and perennials contains over 100 feet of flower borders. A combination of stone retaining walls, grade changes, and shrub plantings divide the property into intimate spaces and microclimates that include woodland gardens, a small pond, a creek with a waterfall, a vegetable garden, and a lowland perennial meadow. The group will meet at Hedgleigh Spring in Swarthmore. Travel directions will be sent prior to the trip. Another section is being offered on May 17
Members: $30
Non-members: $35
Call to register for classes (215) 247-5777 ext 156 or 125 |
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| May 3 |
The Wonders of the Wissahickon: A Walking Tour Along Forbidden Drive
Saturday, May 3
10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. FULL!
Ken LeRoy - Horticulturist and Owner, LeRoy Tree and Landscape Care
We will start our guided walking tour at historic Rittenhouse Town, an early industrial community along the banks of the Monoshone Creek and the site of the first paper mill in British North America. From there we will walk about three miles on fairly flat terrain along Forbidden Drive. Ken will share his knowledge of the plants, trees and geology found in the park as well as the history of the area. The Wissahickon Section of Farimount Park has a fascinating history from the early days of the Lenni Lenape Indians to recent years and the ongoing efforts to preserve the historic structures and open space along it. We will finish our day with a delicious lunch at the historic Valley Green Inn, which was built in 1850 on land that was part of a several hundred acre tract purchased from William Penn in 1685. Valley Green has been called the “emotional center” of the park and is a beautiful location to stop for lunch. We will meet at the Arboretum and travel by small bus. Wear good walking
shoes. Park in the meadow next to the entrance kiosk.
Members: $65
Non-members: $77
Call to register for classes (215) 247-5777 ext 156 or 125 |
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| May 6 |
Perennials for Shade: A Nursery Trip and Workshop
Tuesday, May 6
10 a.m. – 12 noon
We will visit Carolyn’s Shade Garden, a nursery and display garden located in Bryn Mawr, PA, specializing in low maintenance and organically grown flowering perennials for shade. The owner, Carolyn Walker, will personally take us on a tour of this small but beautiful two and a half acre garden. She will share her knowledge of shade gardening including tips on soil preparation, suggestions for deer resistant plants, and information on unusual but easy-to-grow perennials. Her garden features plants in various landscape settings including a woodland garden, wall garden, and rock garden. She will provide cultural information about the plants and ideas on how to effectively use them in the landscape. Plant purchases are possible but
optional following the tour. We will meet at Carolyn’s Shade Gardens in Bryn Mawr. Directions will be sent.
Members: $30
Non-members: $35
Call to register for classes (215) 247-5777 ext 156 or 125 |
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| May 13 |
Birding at the John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove
Tuesday, May 13
7:45 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Ruth Pfeffer - Expert Birder and Trip Leader
On this trip we will visit nearby Mill Grove, John James Audubon’s first home in America. At 18 years of age Audubon came here to live and pursue his passion for drawing birds. Today, 175 acres of Mill Grove's original estate remains largely as Audubon found it – a haven for birds and wildlife. In this historic spot we will have the chance to accompany
expert birder, Ruth Pfeffer, at the height of spring migration to some of the same spots used by Audubon himself. Miles of trails, some with beautiful views of the Perkiomen Creek, wind through the sanctuary. Feeding stations, nesting boxes and specially planted trees and shrubs offer food and nesting sites for a variety of bird species. We will also visit
the original stone farmhouse that serves as a museum displaying original Audubon prints, oil paintings, and memorabilia. Bring binoculars, your lunch and something to drink. Park in the meadow next to the entrance kiosk. We will travel by bus.
Members: $45
Non-members: $50
Call to register for classes (215) 247-5777 ext 156 or 125 |
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| May 14 |
Mt. Cuba and the Thyrums: A Trip to Two Great Delaware Gardens
Wednesday, May 14
7:45 a.m. – 5 p.m. FULL!
We will go first to Mt. Cuba Center, the former estate of Mr. and Mrs. Lammot du Pont Copeland. This beautifully maintained garden, which is at its peak in spring, specializes in plants native to the Piedmont
region. Shortly after completing their house in 1935, the Copelands hired landscape architects to design and develop a series of garden spaces on their estate. Today, the Copelands’ legacy lives on, elegantly portrayed in the formal gardens, woodland landscapes, pastures, and fields. After lunch at a local restaurant we will visit the lovely garden of
Eve and Per Thyrum. The Thyrums have been gardening on this two-and-a-half acre property, which was a former overgrown orchard, since 1980. They do all of the work in the garden themselves. Because they spend lots of time outdoors, the garden has become the family’s outdoor living space. Eve is a collector of unusual woody plants and shade loving perennials. The garden features eight different water features and lots of statuary of different shapes and sizes. Meet at the
Arboretum. Park in the meadow next to the entrance kiosk. We will travel by bus.
Members: $90
Non-members: $100
Call to register for classes (215) 247-5777 ext 156 or 125 |
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| May 28 |
Visit the Governor’s Residence and a Nearby Private Garden
Wednesday, May 28
7:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
On this trip we will see the recently renovated gardens surrounding the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg. The Susquehanna Garden,
designed as an outdoor living space for the First Family features the Susquehanna River and its wildlife. Penn’s Woods is an educational showpiece highlighting the finest and most historically significant plants, shrubs and flowers native to Pennsylvania. The Rose Garden, with over 250 roses, provides a spectacular show and should be at peak
bloom. We will also tour the mansion, designed in the 18th century English Georgian style, which features open spacious rooms for entertaining and public functions. After lunch at a local restaurant we will visit the York garden of Louis J. Appell, Jr. Mr. Appell’s garden is beautifully laid out and shows his skillful practice of ornamental
horticulture and love of nature. He has many wonderful botanical specimens, some of which have come from the Morris Arboretum’s
collection. A stone garden folly is a garden highlight. Meet at the Arboretum. Park in the meadow next to the entrance kiosk. We
will travel by bus. Trip includes transportation and lunch.
Members: $120
Non-members: $140
Call to register for classes (215) 247-5777 ext 156 or 125 |
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| June 7 |
Observing Nesting Birds: The Challenges and Rewards
Saturday, June 7
8 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Ruth Pfeffer - Expert Birder and Trip Leader
During spring and summer, love is in the air, at least for birds. We will visit the Wissahickon’s Andorra Natural Area to search for and observe nesting bird species. These include both migratory song birds and our
resident feathered friends. The breeding and nesting season is an extremely busy time for birds. Male and female birds are finding
mates, building nests, incubating eggs, and feeding ravenous young birds. Observing nesting species can sharpen your birdwatching skills because of diversity of activities that birds engage in. Some of the birds we might see include the blue-winged warbler, eastern tohee and oven bird. We will walk trails that provide varied habitat to see woodland species and those birds that prefer open fields. We will meet in the Andorra Natural Area. Directions will be sent.
Members: $30
Non-members: $35
Call to register for classes (215) 247-5777 ext 156 or 125 |
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| June 21 |
Visit a Nurseryman’s Private Garden
Saturday, June 21
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. FULL!
Michael Colibraro - Co-owner, Colibraro Landscaping and Nursery, Inc
Ken LeRoy - Horticulturist and Owner, LeRoy Tree and Landscape Care
This trip will take us to nurseryman Michael Colibraro’s garden, located in nearby Willow Grove. In this cosmopolitan garden that incorporates plants from around the world and takes advantage of every square foot, scale is important and the imagination flourishes. Garden rooms divide the space, and stone and wooden details blend together with plants to
create a garden that is truly a work of art. Michael’s garden is an extraordinary landscape in a small space and contains many great ideas for urban and suburban gardeners. A highlight of the visit is a tour of the garden with its creator, Michael Colibraro and Ken LeRoy, a knowledgeable and enthusiastic plantsman. Please bring your lunch to eat in the garden. We will leave from the Arboretum in a small bus. Park in the meadow next to the entrance kiosk.
Members: $45
Non-members: $50
Call to register for classes (215) 247-5777 ext 156 or 125 |
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