Botanical Society of Lower Merion
The Botanical Society of Lower Merion
"Trees outstrip most people in the extent and depth of their work for the public good." Sara Ebenreck, American Forests
The Botanical Society of Lower Merion established and has been maintaining Merion Botanical Park and its plant collection for over 70 years. Our mission statement reflects the period in which it was drafted, but the ideas are even more relevant today.
The Society stands for promoting native plants and raising interest in the science of Botany and nature in general.
We cannot solve large environmental problems ourselves, but we can be part of the solution, by promoting sustainable practices in landscaping and educating visitors about native plants and their best use.
We encourage you to join the Society, and volunteer during work days or in other capacities. Most of all we invite you to enjoy the serenity and wonderful botanical specimens that make the Merion Botanical Park a special place.
Join us to keep Merion Botanical Park clean and well maintained, or help with invasive plant control and forest restoration. For more information:
or
Native Forest Restoration
In the fall of 2017 the area behind the bridge was cleared of invasive plants. 130 native trees and shrubs were planted to take their place. Since then, we have cleared more invasives, expanded the restoration area, planted more native species and installed tree guards to protect from rabbit and deer damage.
The full restoration of the forest between the stream and the train tracks will take many years, committed volunteers and more funding to accomplish. Final goals: controlling invasive plants, creating a pleasant place for visitors and improving habitat for wildlife.
Please support this restoration effort.
Save Your Ashes Your membership dues protect 10 native ash trees from Emerald Ash Borer. Learn about this disease from EAB Awareness.
Give the gift of life!
Adopt one of our beautiful specimens to help maintain it, or plant a new tree in honor of a loved one or for a special occasion. Find out more about our Memorial Tree Program.
Upcoming Events
Park Work Days - Volunteers welcome!
- Sunday, September 26, 9:00 - 12:00
- Saturday, October 16, 10:00 - 1:00
- Sunday, October 17, 10:00 - 1:00
- Saturday, March 19, 1:00 - 4:00
- Sunday, April 24, 10:00 - 1:00
- Saturday, May 21, 10:00 - 1:00
- Sunday, June 12, 10:00 - 1:00
Fairy House Location Clues Available Here:
Spotted lanternflies were present in Merion Botanical Park, active mostly on the Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus) trees. The USDA have installed several different traps to test their effectiveness. Preliminary data seems to indicate the inward facing sticky traps work well without endangering birds or mammals. You can read more about
what is being done and how you can help control these invasive insects here.
Spotted Lantern Fly Management for Pennsylvania Residents:
UPCOMING EVENTS AND NEWS
- PARK WORK DAY - Saturday, May 21, 10:00 - 1:00. We hope you can join us! See the photo below of Lower Merion High School's buildOn Organization, from a previous park work day. Thank you buildOn!
- STEPPING STONES RESTORATION - Lower Merion Township has budgeted $100K for restoration of the stepping stones crossing the park stream. Work will commence this coming spring/summer season.
- PARK WALKING PATH TRIAL RESURFACING - Lower Merion Township has budgeted $30K for a 50ft to 100ft trial-installation of porous pavement on the park path. Work will commence this coming spring/summer season. If the trial meets expectations, we will work to pave the entire length of the park path.
- AQUA AMERICA NEW WATER PIPELINE - AQUA is planning a new pipeline to satisfy increased water demand south of the existing SEPTA metro lines. The Botanical Society is working with the Township and AQUA to ensure minimal impact to the park and trees.
Volunteers from Lower Merion High School's buildOn Organization.
Thank you buildOn volunteers!
