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 11 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.
2024 Schedule of Events
22-JAN - Board Meeting - 7:00PM - ZOOM
12-FEB - Board Meeting - 7:00PM - ZOOM
16-MAR - Park Clean Up Day - 10:00AM
28-APR - Park Clean Up Day - 10:00AM
07-MAY - Annual Meeting
13-MAY - Board Meeting - 7:00PM
19-MAY - Park Clean Up Day - 10:00AM
22-SEP - Park Clean Up Day - 10:00AM
30-SEP - Board Meeting - 7:00PM
19-OCT - Park Clean Up Day - 10:00AM
If you wish to attend a Board Meeting, please send an email - tommy.diederich@gmail.com
If you would like to volunteer on a Clean Up Day, please arrive at the park on the morning of and remember to lease bring gloves.
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:
PARK NEWS UPDATE
- 16 MAR 2024 PARK CLEAN-UP DAY IS A MAJOR SUCCESS!!
Our first park clean up day for 2024 was 16-MAR, at 10:00AM and thanks to the 15 students who volunteered from Lower Merion High School's buildOn organization, and all the Board members who participated, we accomplished much:
- Cut down last year's growth in our Butterfly garden
- Removed Honeysuckle from Ninebark at the south end of the park
- Removed vines from the Norway spruce
- Mulched numerous trees toward the south end of the park
- Picked up garbage in and along the stream
- Removed large, old stems from the Red Twigged Dogwoods
Future park clean-up days are listed on the right of this page. We welcome all volunteers. Come join us!!!
- STEPPING STONES RESTORATION IS COMPLETE!
Lower Merion Township completed the relocation and reconstruction of our beloved stepping stones this past autumn. 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. We encourage you to stop by and enjoy the new stones!
PARK PATH TRIAL RESURFACING COMPLETED
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 paving along the path to take place in 2024/2025
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
