Morris Aboretum - Grid Magazine

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Backyard Chickens 101

morris arboretum 100 E Northwestern Ave, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Backyard Chickens 101 Maureen Breen President, Philadelphia Backyard Chickens Learn the basics of keeping backyard chickens! This class will cover everything from choosing the right chicks, setting up a coop, and keeping them happy and healthy year round. After the class you will have the knowledge to decide whether backyard chickens are right for you and the confidence to start a flock of your own. Maureen Breen is a veteran chicken keeper and the president of Philadelphia Backyard Chickens. She also conducts research on the role of backyard chickens in reducing food waste. Saturday, October 1 10:00 am–12:00 pm Morris

$35

Composting for a Sustainable Future

morris arboretum 100 E Northwestern Ave, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Composting for a Sustainable Future Heather Guidice Founder of Kona Compost Company Food and yard waste are an inevitable part of life but they can be a highly valuable resource. Composting is a environmentally friendly way to handle your organic refuse. Heather Guidice, owner of the local composting business Kona Compost Co., will guide you on the various ways to transform your waste into a nutrient-dense soil amendment your plants, garden and soil will love. Learn about the benefits of compost, do’s and don’ts of composting, and the variety of composting options available as you begin your journey or further

$35

Native Pollinators of Pennsylvania

morris arboretum 100 E Northwestern Ave, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Native Pollinators of Pennsylvania Samantha Nestory Horticulturist, Stoneleigh: A Natural Garden “Pollinators” is a term that has gained massive popularity over the past couple of decades as our knowledge and understanding of their importance has grown. Unfortunately, many people only associate this term with popular pollinators, such as European honeybees and butterflies—but there’s so much more to the world of pollinators! Join us as we learn about our native pollinators that don’t get the spotlight—mining bees, moths, beetles, birds, and more! Thursday, November 10 1:30–3:00 pm Morris Arboretum Members: $30 Non-members: $35

$35

Using the Miyawaki Method to Rewild Our Communities

morris arboretum 100 E Northwestern Ave, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Using the Miyawaki Method to Rewild Our Communities Hannah Lewis and Maya Dutta Biodiversity for a Livable Climate Join Hannah Lewis and Maya Dutta in a discussion of Lewis' new book, Mini-Forest Revolution: Using the Miyawaki Method to Rapidly Rewild the World (Chelsea Green, 2022). The Miyawaki Method is a unique approach to tree-planting conceived by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki. In the book, Lewis explains how densely planted forests the size of a tennis court grow quickly and are much more biodiverse than those planted by conventional methods. She explores the science behind why mini-forests work and the myriad environmental

$25

Ecological Gardening: The Basics

morris arboretum 100 E Northwestern Ave, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Ecological Gardening: The Basics Bess Trout Content and Production Specialist, Tyler Arboretum Have you ever looked at your backyard garden and wondered if there was a way to manage everything more sustainably? Do you feel like you are working against nature instead of alongside it? Join us to learn more about the process of ecological gardening, a practice that gives gardeners the power to effect real environmental change—right from your own backyard. We’ll discuss how you can build soil health, conserve water, recycle nutrients and create an ecosystem that will support local wildlife. The environmental challenges we currently face may

$35

Queer Mycology

Zoom, Online Only

This virtual talk by mycologist Patty Kaishian approaches the field of mycology through a theoretical framework rooted in queer and feminist theories, as well as philosophy of science and traditional ecological knowledge. The goal of this work is to challenge, push, and explore central tenets of institutional science, and to socially and historically situate current research dilemmas in mycology. Dr. Patricia Kaishian’s research focuses on fungal taxonomy, diversity, evolution, symbiosis, and ecology, particularly of the less-studied fungal groups, such as the insect-associated Laboulbeniales. She is a co-founder of the International Congress of Armenian Mycologists, which seeks to jointly protect Armenian

$20

Into the Weeds with Tama Wong

Morris Arboretum & Gardens 100 E Northwestern Ave, Philadelphia, United States

Join forager and 'meadow doctor' Tama Matsuoka Wong for an engaging talk about her new book, Into the Weeds—part practical and philosophical, with expert botanical and project illustrations: DIY activities, recipes, and structures to make from the plants we can find around us. This event will include a botanical mocktail, and Tama will host a book signing after the program (books, hot off the press, will be available for purchase at the program). Come early or stay after the program for a walk around the Morris Arboretum & Gardens!

$30

Trees for the Future

Morris Arboretum & Gardens 100 E Northwestern Ave, Philadelphia, United States

Henrik Sjöman, Scientific Curator, Gothenburg Botanical Garden, is coming to Philadelphia to share his groundbreaking research on trees -- which tree types grow best where, and why. His new book, Trees for the Future, stimulates a whole new language around tree selection and will lead to more informed decisions about choosing trees for location and function. This will ensure more positive outcomes for trees and richer treescapes in our city! This program is being presented jointly by the Morris Arboretum & Gardens and Chanticleer, A Pleasure Garden. Registrants will have the additional option to purchase a book and have it

Mindful Birding @UPENN Morris Arboretum

In Mindful Birding we will combine observing birds with mindfulness techniques, creating a heightened awareness of both ourselves and the world around us. Through guided instruction, we’ll practice simple mindfulness exercises to engage our sensory awareness while intentionally tuning into the abundant birds surrounding us on this autumn day in the Morris Arboretum & Gardens Natural Lands area. This class will provide a reprieve from life’s stressors and pressures, stimulate your overall well-being, sharpen and enhance your identification skills, and more. We will slow down and notice the world around us, using the birds as our guides! Participants will be

$40

Mid-Atlantic Plant Research Conference: Focus on Forest Health

Morris Arboretum & Gardens 100 E Northwestern Ave, Philadelphia, United States

It is no secret that plants in our region are facing new challenges to their survival, growth, and reproduction due to a variety of threats that includes land use change, habitat loss, climate change, and more. One of the places this is most keenly felt is in our regional forests. Join us either in-person or virtually as we bring together a panel of plant scientists and conservation experts for an intensive one-day conference that highlights the intersection of plant science and conservation. Whether you work in conservation, forestry, arboriculture, landscape design, or plant science – or are simply interested in

$80 – $150

Autumn Equinox Social

Morris Arboretum & Gardens of the University of Pennsylvania 100 East Northwestern Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Say goodbye to summer and hello to autumn with a fun, festive, adults-only party in our gardens! Take a tour of our champion trees with one of our wonderful educators, bop along to the coolest hits being spun by a local Philly DJ, YuH BoY!, and taste the flavors of fall as you enjoy hard cider served by Hale & True (and imbibe other drinks provided by the Morris as well!). This is a great chance to celebrate the changing of the seasons with like-minded folks.

$25

How Can I Help? Saving Nature with Your Yard

Temple University Ambler Campus, Meetinghouse Road, Ambler, PA, USA 580 Meetinghouse Road, Ambler, PA, United States

Join author and entomologist Doug Tallamy at Temple Ambler Arboretum for a deep discussion about concrete ways each of us can make a positive environmental impact. Nearly every day Doug receives emails from people who have read his books and heard his talks and yet still have questions about ecological land care. These are good, thoughtful questions about ecology and evolution, biodiversity, invasive species, insect declines, native and non-native plants, conservation and restoration, residential and city landscapes, oak biology, supporting wildlife at home, and more. Join us as Doug addresses as many of these queries as he can. His answers

sliding scale

Magnolia Magic at Laurel Hill East

Laurel Hill Cemetery East 822 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Join us for a special tree tour at Laurel Hill East, exploring its magnificent magnolia collection in full bloom! Led by Arboretum Manager Aaron Greenberg, this walk will showcase the recently dedicated Paul Meyer Memorial Magnolia Collection and highlight key species, cultivation tips, and the cemetery’s rich horticultural history. Discover stunning trees, fascinating botanical insights, and the unique beauty of this National Historic Landmark cemetery. Date & Location: Meet at the Gatehouse courtyard, 3822 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19132. Parking available.

$40

Wildlife Ponds (ONLINE)

Online

Join JOHN JANIK, Owner, Good Host Plants Native Plant Nursery Tuesday, March 18 • 6 – 8 pm Ponds add beauty to the landscape and can provide important ecological services for the environment. Wildlife ponds, which don’t incorporate fish, are used as a place to breed for frogs, toads, dragonflies, damselflies, and a host of other beneficial insects, which in return provide natural mosquito/pest control on your property. We’ll discuss everything from small barrel ponds to liner and stormwater retention ponds, including planning, installation, maintenance, appropriate plants, and other tips to ensure success. This class will be held online. A

Climate-Proofing Plants for a Changing World

Zoom, Online Only

April 22, 2025 • 12 PM ET • Virtual Join us for a virtual armchair conversation on groundbreaking advances in breeding plants to thrive in a warming world. This event features William Cullina, The F. Otto Haas Executive Director at the Morris Arboretum & Gardens, and Dr. Doris Wagner, DiMaura Professor of Biology at Penn Arts & Sciences. Dr. Wagner is also the inaugural director of the Penn Plant Adaptability and Resilience Center (Plant ARC), a new initiative dedicated to sustainable, plant-based solutions for addressing climate change. They will engage in a captivating discussion about Plant ARC’s pioneering research on cellular

Moonlight & Roses

Morris Arboretum & Gardens 100 E Northwestern Ave, Philadelphia, United States

Come celebrate the magic of Morris Arboretum & Gardens at our annual fundraising gala, Moonlight & Roses, as we honor photographer Rob Cardillo and the Philadelphia Eagles’ Go Green program. Sip cocktails and savor exquisite cuisine after hours in our breathtaking Rose Garden, all in support of our mission to connect plants, people, and place. Two additional areas of the garden will be open during Moonlight & Roses: Pennock Flower Walk – Enjoy plant-based appetizers and a fruity specialty cocktail as you stroll through this vibrant floral garden. Garden Railway – Savor smoked-infused bites paired with a smoky cocktail as you delight in Garden Railway: World Pollinators, an exhibition featuring model