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.
Volunteer Days
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, April 18, 2021, 9:00am - 1:00pm
Saturday, May 15, 2021, 9:00am - 1:00pm
Saturday, June 12, 2021, 9:00am - 1:00pm
Saturday, July 17, 2021, 9:00am - 1:00pm
We look forward to seeing you all again!
Annual Membership Meeting
Our Annual Membership Meeting is scheduled for May, 24th at 7:00PM and will once again be held virtually. Invitations will be sent out shortly
Merion Civic Tree Planting Event
The Merion Civic Association is holding a tree planting event May 24th, 12 pm to 3 pm. Volunteers are asked to meet at the corner of N. Highland Avenue. Merion Road and Civic Circle in Merion Station
More information can be found at:
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:
April 18, 2021 - First work day in the park this year. Thanks so much to Tom Reed and all the volunteers from Lower Merion's buildOn organization.
Great Crew - Great Day - Great Success
