Tours and Explorations

FOR ADULTS (18+) AND YOUTH AGES 15+ As summer wanes, the meadows come alive with life! A glorious display of flowers and insects gain sustenance from each other while birds and dragonflies fill the air above. We will look for several species of native goldenrods and discuss the important role this keystone species has in our ecosystem. This edition of Richard’s Ramble will be slower-paced with mostly level walking as we concentrate on the smaller, fascinating community living in the meadows. There’s more to discover in Tyler’s 650 acres. Join Dr. Richard Brenner for a walk through the various eco-communities at Tyler.

FOR ADULTS AND TEENS AGES 14-17 In the first half of the 20th century, the American chestnut tree was all but eliminated from the forests of eastern North America by an imported fungal disease, commonly known as chestnut blight. In cooperation with the American Chestnut Foundation, Tyler Arboretum is host to a preservation orchard where surviving examples of this tree are raised and bred as part of the conservation effort to restore this iconic tree to eastern forests. Join expert Dan O’Keefe for a tour of the orchard to learn about the American chestnut tree, its significance, and efforts to achieve resistance

FOR ALL AGES Join naturalist Sam Nestory on this leisurely walk as we concentrate on the fascinating community of insects living in Tyler’s meadows and gardens. Be prepared to look closely as we search for insects that depend on these plants for food, shelter and nesting material. As we identify them, we will discuss their fascinating life cycles and strategies for survival. This leisurely-paced walk is for all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Please check in first at the Visitor Center, where you’ll then meet your guide. Bring your camera and wear comfortable shoes. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED MEMBERS: $5 per adult;

FOR ADULTS (18+) AND YOUTH AGES 15+ This Ramble will explore the fields of South Farm, passing by the Wister Specimen Tree Collection, the American Chestnut Nursery, and the ruins of the old German-style barn of this tenant farm. Then it’s on to the serpentine barrens, where we expect to find silverrod, goldenrod, and other fall-blooming wildflowers, including the globally rare serpentine aster. This Ramble involves a moderate amount of hiking on rocky terrain. Sturdy hiking boots, bottled water, and insect spray are recommended. There’s more to discover in Tyler’s 650 acres. Join Dr. Richard Brenner for a walk through the various

FOR CHILDREN AGES 6-11 Take a walk with your child through the ‘Old Arboretum’ to explore a variety of different trees. As we touch the different bark, smell the sap and listen to the leaves, we will talk about how vital trees are for all life. Are you looking for ways to increase your child’s awareness of the natural world? Then, join us as we begin a new adventure at Tyler for youth ages 6-11: The Magic of Nature! Barbara Frank, one of our experienced Docents and a PA Master Naturalist, will guide you. Seeing our youth fall in love with nature

Rain or shine Appropriate for adults (18+) and youth ages 12-17  Join wildflower expert Dick Cloud on an informative two-hour hike that will take you through meadows, woods, and occasionally streamside. These walks are for those who love plants, their role in ecology, or those who want to learn more. Although the focus is on plants, we will talk about whatever we might see while we are out! 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

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 own binoculars and be prepared to walk on all types of surfaces. Walks are rain or shine.  PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED GATES OPEN AT 8 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 – sign in for your member discount! Non-Members: $15 (18-64); Seniors (65+): $13

The Chester County Trail Club will be leading monthly hikes at Tyler. We will be exploring 5 to 7 miles of the Arboretum’s outer, inner, and connecting trails, covering meadows, forests, and streams. This is a great way to get a general lay of the land. Upon arrival, check-in first at the Visitor Center window and then meet your guide in the grassy area in front of the Barn. Please be on time as the group will be starting promptly at 9:30 am. Pre-registration required. Rain or shine. Please dress for the outdoors and wear supportive hiking shoes as we

TGIF! Start your day off right with a brisk, one-hour hike through Tyler’s gardens and out onto the trails. Each week we’ll explore a different part of the Arboretum and be back in time for a picnic breakfast or whatever else your Friday has in store. The Weekend Warm-up Hike is an introduction to Tyler’s hiking trails and a moderate cardio workout. Routes will cover a mix of asphalt, gravel and natural surfaces. Hikes are not suitable for those with limited mobility. While a description of each hike is posted in advance, we reserve the right to make last-minute changes,

SUITABLE FOR ADULTS AND TEENS AGES 15-17 Experience the magic of Tyler’s natural areas at night! Join guides Dick Cloud and Richard Brenner as we head into the forest under the light of the nearly full moon. Hiking at night is a unique sensory experience. We will use our senses of hearing, smell and touch to navigate the forest. Our guides will share points of special interest and seasonal highlights. In addition, we hope to see and hear some of the nocturnal wildlife that makes a home in Tyler’s natural areas! This moderately-paced hike is for adults and teens. All youth must be accompanied

SUITABLE FOR ADULTS AND TEENS AGES 15-17 Experience the magic of Tyler’s natural areas at night! Join guides Dick Cloud and Richard Brenner as we head into the forest under the light of the nearly full moon. Hiking at night is a unique sensory experience. We will use our senses of hearing, smell and touch to navigate the forest. Our guides will share points of special interest and seasonal highlights. In addition, we hope to see and hear some of the nocturnal wildlife that makes a home in Tyler’s natural areas! This moderately-paced hike is for adults and teens. All youth must be accompanied

SUITABLE FOR ADULTS AND TEENS AGES 15-17 Experience the magic of Tyler’s natural areas at night! Join guides Dick Cloud and Richard Brenner as we head into the forest under the light of the nearly full moon. Hiking at night is a unique sensory experience. We will use our senses of hearing, smell and touch to navigate the forest. Our guides will share points of special interest and seasonal highlights. In addition, we hope to see and hear some of the nocturnal wildlife that makes a home in Tyler’s natural areas! This moderately-paced hike is for adults and teens. All youth must be accompanied

FOR ALL AGES Please join us for a Docent-led tour of Tyler’s meadows. As autumn arrives, the meadows come alive with life! Flowers and insects gain sustenance from each other, while birds and dragonflies fill the air above. These slow-paced walks will concentrate on the smaller, fascinating community living in the meadows. We will show you some of the best viewing areas to spot the plants, insects, spiders, and birds that call the meadow home. Please first check in at the Visitor Center, where you’ll then meet your guide. Bring your camera and comfortable shoes. Cancellations due to rain will be

Rain or shine Appropriate for adults (18+) and youth ages 12-17  Join wildflower expert Dick Cloud on an informative two-hour hike that will take you through meadows, woods, and occasionally streamside. These walks are for those who love plants, their role in ecology, or those who want to learn more. Although the focus is on plants, we will talk about whatever we might see while we are out! 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

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 own binoculars and be prepared to walk on all types of surfaces. Walks are rain or shine.  PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED GATES OPEN AT 8 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 – sign in for your member discount! Non-Members: $15 (18-64); Seniors (65+): $13

TGIF! Start your day off right with a brisk, one-hour hike through Tyler’s gardens and out onto the trails. Each week we’ll explore a different part of the Arboretum and be back in time for a picnic breakfast or whatever else your Friday has in store. The Weekend Warm-up Hike is an introduction to Tyler’s hiking trails and a moderate cardio workout. Routes will cover a mix of asphalt, gravel and natural surfaces. Hikes are not suitable for those with limited mobility. While a description of each hike is posted in advance, we reserve the right to make last-minute changes,

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS! Our docents would love to provide our newer members with an introductory tour of Tyler! We will show you some highlights you may not have discovered yet, along with sharing some of the fascinating information about the collections, trails, trees, and historic buildings that are sitting on land purchased by the Minshall family in 1681. If you have any special requests, let us know, and we will try to fit them in! REGISTER HERE

FOR CHILDREN AGES 6-11 With magnifying glasses in hand, we will walk into the woods and get a hands-on, close-up look at the ground we walk on. Let’s find out what’s under our feet, talk about how it got there, and why it’s important to the natural world. Are you looking for ways to increase your child’s awareness of the natural world? Then, join us as we begin a new adventure at Tyler for youth ages 6-11: The Magic of Nature! Barbara Frank, one of our experienced Docents and a PA Master Naturalist, will guide you. Seeing our youth fall in love

FOR CHILDREN AGES 6-11 With magnifying glasses in hand, we will walk into the woods and get a hands-on, close-up look at the ground we walk on. Let’s find out what’s under our feet, talk about how it got there, and why it’s important to the natural world. Are you looking for ways to increase your child’s awareness of the natural world? Then, join us as we begin a new adventure at Tyler for youth ages 6-11: The Magic of Nature! Barbara Frank, one of our experienced Docents and a PA Master Naturalist, will guide you. Seeing our youth fall in love

Rain or shine Appropriate for adults (18+) and youth ages 12-17  Join wildflower expert Dick Cloud on an informative two-hour hike that will take you through meadows, woods, and occasionally streamside. These walks are for those who love plants, their role in ecology, or those who want to learn more. Although the focus is on plants, we will talk about whatever we might see while we are out! 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

FOR ADULTS 18+ AND YOUTH AGES 12-17 Which Tyler tree supports over 500 species of moths and butterflies? What is a Pennsylvania Champion Tree, and why does Tyler grow so many of them? It’s because we’ve been doing this for a very long time! Some of our iconic trees were planted in the 1850s and still tower over visitors in the landscape. Join us on this leisurely-paced walk to experience their majesty, learn about their role in supporting the ecosystem, and hear the tales. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED Check-in first at the Visitor Center, where you’ll then meet your guide. Please wear appropriate

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 own binoculars and be prepared to walk on all types of surfaces. Walks are rain or shine.  PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED GATES OPEN AT 8 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 – sign in for your member discount! Non-Members: $15 (18-64); Seniors (65+): $13

FOR ADULTS (18+) AND YOUTH AGES 15+ Join us for an educational walk through Tyler’s lilac, magnolia, and crabapple collections as we head to the northern areas of Tyler. The crabapples are ripening and are irresistible to a variety of birds. This area is rich in flora and fauna, including several varieties of asters in bloom this time of year. Enjoy the colors of fall and catch a glimpse of birds as they migrate. There’s more to discover in Tyler’s 650 acres. Join Dr. Richard Brenner for a walk through the various eco-communities at Tyler. From seasonal wonders, living fossils, meadows, watery

FOR ADULTS 18+ AND YOUTH AGES 12-17 Which Tyler tree supports over 500 species of moths and butterflies? What is a Pennsylvania Champion Tree, and why does Tyler grow so many of them? It’s because we’ve been doing this for a very long time! Some of our iconic trees were planted in the 1850s and still tower over visitors in the landscape. Join us on this leisurely-paced walk to experience their majesty, learn about their role in supporting the ecosystem, and hear the tales. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED Check-in first at the Visitor Center, where you’ll then meet your guide. Please wear appropriate