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
2023 Park Work Days
Volunteers are Welcome
- Saturday, March 18, 10:00 - 1:00
- Saturday, April 22, 10:00 - 1:00
- Sunday, May 21, 10:00 - 1:00
- Saturday, September 23, 10:00 - 1:00
- Saturday, October 14, 10:00 - 1:00
2023 Board Meetings
All Board Meeting are on Mondays
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:
- STEPPING STONES RESTORATION NEARS COMPLETION Lower Merion Township, earlier in the week of 26-OCT-2023, commenced relocation and reconstruction of our beloved stepping stones. The new stepping stones are located about 30 yards downstream of the previous location. The stones are embedded in about 8 to 12 inches of concrete ensuring they will be staying in place for many years to come. And while the site is a little messy from the recent work, we encourage you to stop by and enjoy the new stones!
- PARK WALKING PATH TRIAL RESURFACING - Lower Merion Township has completed the trial section of the park path using porous paving material. This trial will test the durability of the new path in heavy rain and water flow conditions. We anticipate additional path paving to take place in 2024.
- 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
- January 8, 7:00 PM
- March 27, 7:00 PM - Annual Meeting
- May 15, 7:00 PM
- September 25, 7:00 PM
PARK NEWS UPDATE
- 14 OCT, 2023 - LAST PARK CLEAN-UP DAY FOR THIS YEAR Inclement weather diminished the size of the crew we had in the park during our final 2023 park clean up day. However our small group of volunteers managed to clear the stream of trash and debris, relocate a marker for the Slenn memorial tree and also to remove a sizeable amount of ivy from the large azalea beds at the southeast end of the park and the azaleas near the stone bridge. Thank you volunteers for all your hard work. It is greatly appreciated!
