Tours and Explorations

FOR ALL AGES Discover the secret world of Tyler’s bluebird families!  Join us for a walk through Tyler’s succession field as we uncover the fascinating lives of Eastern Bluebirds. For more than 50 years, our dedicated volunteers have cared for these iconic birds by monitoring their nesting boxes—and now it’s your turn to join the fun! On this family-friendly adventure, you’ll get up close to our bluebird boxes and witness nature in action. Keep your eyes peeled for brilliant bluebirds flitting about, discover active nests with delicate eggs, and maybe even spot fuzzy nestlings waiting for their next meal. Along

FOR ADULTS AND TEENS AGES 12-17 Discover the beauty of Tyler’s northern collections on this guided walk. Stroll through magnolia, lilac, and crabapple plantings before heading into the Native Woodland Walk to discuss the effects of climate change on local ecology. Visit Lucille’s Garden to see what’s growing this season and learn about water management. The tour concludes at the Pollinator Preserve, where you’ll explore the essential role of pollinators and pick up tips for creating a pollinator-friendly garden at home. About your guide: Since retiring from Penn Dental Medicine, Dr. Woody Kotch has reignited his passion for the natural world. Through training

FREE FOR MEMBERS! Pre-registration is required. Join birders Sara Boucas-Neto, Chuck Root, and Dave Eberly on Wednesday morning walks at Tyler. With acres of unbroken forest interior and extensive meadows, Tyler is recognized by the Pennsylvania Audubon Society as an Important Bird Area. Bring your binoculars and be prepared to walk on all types of surfaces. Walks are rain or shine. GATES OPEN AT 7:45 am. Please be on time as the group leaves promptly from the parking lot at 8:10 am, and the gate will close at 8:10 am. Members: FREE Non-Members: $18 (includes admission to Tyler for the day) Non-Member Senior: $15

FOR ADULTS (18+) AND TEENS AGES 15-17 Spring ephemerals are nature’s early bloomers, appearing before the trees leaf out and vanishing just as quickly. But not all woodland trails reveal the same treasures! This Ramble along the Blue Trail will take us through rich, varied habitats where we’ll seek out delicate wildflowers like spring beauties, wild ginger, and trout lilies. Along the way, we’ll explore the unique conditions that allow these fleeting beauties to thrive. Discover what’s in bloom and enjoy the ever-changing landscape of spring at Tyler! There’s more to discover in Tyler’s 650 acres. Join Dr. Richard Brenner for a

The Weekend Warm-up Hike returns to Tyler’s hiking trails! Start your Friday off right with a brisk, one-hour hike through Tyler’s gardens and natural areas beyond the deer exclusion fence. This hike is intended as a moderate cardio workout, and we typically cover 2 1/2 to 3 miles in an hour. However, we reserve the right to pause and enjoy whatever surprises nature offers. Please come prepared to walk on a mix of asphalt, gravel, and natural surfaces. Solid hiking shoes are a must, and hiking poles are recommended. Hikes are not suitable for those with limited mobility. Please make sure to

FOR ADULTS 18+ Ready to take a deep dive into the natural world? Nature journaling is a wonderful tool for observing and recording the flora and fauna around us. Utilizing our inner scientists, writers, and artists, we will learn to capture the intricate details we find. This class will get our curiosity flowing through learning to let go of what we know and encouraging our wonder and delight to lead us to discoveries. About the instructor: Meg Lemieur is a nature-focused illustrator based in Philadelphia. Her mission is to celebrate the diversity, interconnectedness, and amazing feats of the natural world. Her illustrations have been

FOR ALL AGES Join the Feminist Bird Club for a FREE spring migration bird outing at Tyler Arboretum! The Feminist Bird Club of Philadelphia is a local group dedicated to environmental and social justice through birding. All are welcome at events, and no prior birding experience is required. This event is limited to 35 guests, and each guest must complete the registration form by clicking HERE. Please see the registration form to learn more details about the event and community guidelines at FBC events.

FOR ALL AGES Herpetology at the Arboretum! Join a DCNR park ranger to explore the world of reptiles and amphibians! Get up close with live snakes, frogs, and turtles while examining fascinating artifacts that reveal their secret lives. Afterward, we’ll take a short walk to Tyler’s waterways in search of these amazing creatures in their natural habitat. This program is perfect for families eager to discover the hidden world of herpetology. Come ready to explore, observe, and be amazed! PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED This program is best suited for elementary school-aged children with an accompanying adult, although families and siblings of any

Rain or shine Appropriate for Adults (18+) and Teens ages 12-17  Join wildflower expert Dick Cloud on an informative two-hour hike that takes you through meadows, woods, and occasionally streamside. Although the focus is on plants, we will talk about whatever we might see while we are out. In April we will focus on the newness of spring as green begins to carpet the Arboretum. All levels of knowledge are welcome. There may be some periods of moderately paced hiking, so wear comfortable hiking shoes. Feel free to bring a camera and a wildflower guide, such as Peterson’s Field Guide or Newcomb’s Wildflower

FOR ALL AGES Discover the secret world of Tyler’s bluebird families!  Join us for a walk through Tyler’s succession field as we uncover the fascinating lives of Eastern Bluebirds. For more than 50 years, our dedicated volunteers have cared for these iconic birds by monitoring their nesting boxes—and now it’s your turn to join the fun! On this family-friendly adventure, you’ll get up close to our bluebird boxes and witness nature in action. Keep your eyes peeled for brilliant bluebirds flitting about, discover active nests with delicate eggs, and maybe even spot fuzzy nestlings waiting for their next meal. Along

FOR ADULTS & YOUTH AGES 12-17 Step back in time to explore the stories of the Minshall, Painter, and Tyler families. On this guided tour, visit historic structures such as Lachford Hall, the Painter Library, the Springhouse, the Fruit Vault, and the Greenhouse. Discover how these Quaker families used the land and left a lasting legacy, including a remarkable collection of trees planted by the Painter brothers. Travel over 260 years of history as we uncover how Tyler’s past continues to shape its present. About your guide: Ken Rose is a frequent Tyler volunteer who is passionate about the arboretum’s long

FREE FOR MEMBERS! Pre-registration is required. Join birders Sara Boucas-Neto, Chuck Root, and Dave Eberly on Wednesday morning walks at Tyler. With acres of unbroken forest interior and extensive meadows, Tyler is recognized by the Pennsylvania Audubon Society as an Important Bird Area. Bring your binoculars and be prepared to walk on all types of surfaces. Walks are rain or shine. GATES OPEN AT 7:45 am. Please be on time as the group leaves promptly from the parking lot at 8:10 am, and the gate will close at 8:10 am. Members: FREE Non-Members: $18 (includes admission to Tyler for the day) Non-Member Senior: $15