Botanical Society of Lower Merion
The Botanical Society of Lower Merion
The Society is an all-volunteer non-profit corporation.
Board of Directors:
Tom Diederich, President
Scott Feuer, Vice President
Bill Hanafee, Secretary
Graham Copeland, Treasurer
Zach Ainslie
Adam Blistein
Brenda Casper
Jeff Cepull
Kevin Dunleavy
Carol Lavoritano
Stephanie MacDonald
Elsje Reiss
Rich Widmann
"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.
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 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
SPOTTED LANTERNFLY
- SPRING 2025
PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE
2ND ANNUAL PICNIC IN THE PARK
SATURDAY, JUNE 14TH, 1:00 TO 4:00
Live Music by Jann & Steve
Complimentary Treats & Refreshments
Family Fun! Face Painting
Treasure Hunt
NEW STEPPING STRONE BRIDGE COMPLETED
Lawn Games
Garden Plant Swap
Walking Tour of Merion Botanical
BYO Picnic Lunch – No Grills Please
Due to inclement weather forecast for Sunday, June 8th, the Picnic in the Park has now been rescheduled to Saturday, June 14th. Hopefully Mother Nature will be more accommodating next week!
We hope to see you all there!
