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.
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.
2025 Schedule of Events
27-JAN - Board Meeting - 7:00PM - ZOOM
10-FEB - Board Meeting - 7:00PM - ZOOM
29-MAR - Park Clean Up Day - 10:00AM
26-APR - Park Clean Up Day - 10:00AM
17-MAY - Park Clean Up Day - 10:00AM
19-MAY - Botanical Society Annual Meeting
08-JUN Picnic in the Park - 1:00 - 4:00
13-SEP - Park Clean Up Day - 10:00AM
15-SEP - Board Meeting - 7:00PM - ZOOM
18-OCT - Park Clean Up Day - 10:00AM
17-NOV - Board Meeting - 7:00 - ZOOM
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:
PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE
2025 ANNUAL MEETING OF THE
BOTANICAL SOCIETY OF LOWER MERION,
19-MAY-2025. BARNES ARBORETUM AT ST. JOSEPH'S UNIVERSITY.
6:00 - TOUR OF THE BARNES ARBORETUM
7:00 - ANNUAL MEETING
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
SUNDAY, JUNE 8TH, 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
