On-location Field Trip

Sharon Meeker, Experienced Birder and Trip Leader

Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, located on the Delaware Bay near Smyrna, Delaware,
is nearly 16,000 acres in size and includes lots of great birding habitat including pristine
tidal salt marshes, freshwater impoundments, croplands, and woodlands. Unquestionably
Delaware’s single best-known birding site and a Globally Important Bird Area, Bombay Hook justifies its fame with exceptional birding throughout the year. Spring songbird migration will be taking place and shorebirds should be feeding in the salt marshes. We may also see bald eagles that are known to nest at the refuge.

We will drive separately and meet at the Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge Visitors Center. Bring binoculars, lunch, and something to drink.  Dress for the weather. Field trip size is limited; registration is required for each attendee.

Morris Arboretum field trips adhere to CDC guidelines.  Leaders have the right to ask a participant to leave the program if someone is not adhering to these guidelines.  Leaders and participants must maintain social distancing, at least 6 feet of separation, and wear face masks during the program. Leaders may briefly remove their face mask to be heard by the group while maintaining social distance. Please do not come to a program if you are sick or have a sick family member.  There will be no sharing of equipment including binoculars or spotting scopes.

Thursday, April 15 | 9:30am - 1:00pm

Members: $45 | Non-members: $50

On-location Field Trip

Sharon Meeker, Experienced Birder and Trip Leader

Join us for a day-long birding adventure at the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge. This southern New Jersey refuge, also known as Brigantine, features more than 47,000 acres of protected coastal habitat, and is located in one of the Atlantic flyways’ most active flight paths. It provides tidal marsh and meadow habitats, as well as shallow coves and bays that are important resting and feeding habitats for migratory water birds. We will see birds that are migrating north from their Central and South American wintering sites. Waterfowl will be abundant, and we also hope to see shorebirds and raptors. Field trip size is limited; registration is required for each attendee.  Bring binoculars, lunch, and something to drink.  Dress for the weather. 

We will drive separately and meet at the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge Visitors Center.  Take the Atlantic City Expressway to Exit 7N Garden State Parkway to Exit 41 to Great Creek Road. Go four miles to entrance of the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge and proceed to the Visitor Center parking lot. 

Morris Arboretum field trips adhere to CDC guidelines.  Leaders have the right to ask a participant to leave the program if someone is not adhering to these guidelines.  Leaders and participants must maintain social distancing, at least 6 feet of separation, and wear face masks during the program. Leaders may briefly remove their face mask to be heard by the group while maintaining social distance. Please do not come to a program if you are sick or have a sick family member.  There will be no sharing of equipment including binoculars or spotting scopes.

Wednesday, April 28 | 9:30am - 1:00pm

Members: $45 | Non-members: $50

On-location Field Trip

Sharon Meeker, Experienced Birder and Trip Leader

We will spend the day exploring the John Heinz Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum at the peak of spring migration. Despite its urban location, birdwatchers have recorded over 300 species in and around the Refuge. We will see a variety of migrating birds as well as ducks, raptors, and resident birds. We may even see a bald eagle that has been nesting at the Refuge. Birds use the Refuge, which is on the Atlantic flyway, as a resting/feeding spot during spring and fall migration. This class will meet at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum.  We will drive separately and meet Sharon at the Refuge parking lot at 8:00 a.m.  Field trip size is limited; registration is required for each attendee.  Bring binoculars, lunch, and something to drink.  Dress for the weather. 

Morris Arboretum field trips adhere to CDC guidelines.  Leaders have the right to ask a participant to leave the program if someone is not adhering to these guidelines.  Leaders and participants must maintain social distancing, at least 6 feet of separation, and wear face masks during the program. Leaders may briefly remove their face mask to be heard by the group while maintaining social distance. Please do not come to a program if you are sick or have a sick family member.  There will be no sharing of equipment including binoculars or spotting scopes.

Thursday, May 6 | 8:00am - 11:30am

Members: $40 | Non-members: $45

On-location Field Trip

Sharon Meeker, Experienced Birder and Trip Leader

Join Sharon and explore some of the birding hotspots at the Morris Arboretum. We will visit the Arboretum’s natural areas including wetlands, meadows, and the woodlands along the
Wissahickon Creek. These areas provide great habitat for a wide variety of birds year-round. We will see resident birds as well as migrating raptors, warblers, and sparrows. These sessions are for beginning or experienced bird watchers. Park in the meadow next to the Arboretum entrance kiosk and meet Sharon there. You may sign up for one or both sessions by selecting the appropriate date(s); pricing is per session. 

Field trip size is limited; registration is required for each attendee.  Bring binoculars and dress for the weather. 

Morris Arboretum field trips adhere to CDC guidelines.  Leaders have the right to ask a participant to leave the program if someone is not adhering to these guidelines.  Leaders and participants must maintain social distancing, at least 6 feet of separation, and wear face masks during the program. Leaders may briefly remove their face mask to be heard by the group while maintaining social distance. Please do not come to a program if you are sick or have a sick family member.  There will be no sharing of equipment including binoculars or spotting scopes.

Please select a date when you register.

Session 1: Friday, May 7 | 8:00am - 11:00am

Session 2: Wednesday, June 2 | 8:00am - 11:00am

Members: $25 | Non-members: $30 - per session

On-location Field Trip

Sharon Meeker, Experienced Birder and Trip Leader

On this trip we will be birding along the Perkiomen Trail that uses the former rail bed of the Perkiomen Line of the Reading Railroad. The gravel trail, preserved as open space, runs along the Perkiomen Creek in Montgomery County. We will look for spring migrating and resident birds. Along the way we will visit the Perkiomen Valley Park, a scenic spot with a variety of good birding habitats including woodlands, wetlands, and open grass areas. We hope to see herons, kingfishers, waterfowl, ospreys, woodpeckers, hawks, bluebirds, a variety of songbirds, and possibly a bald eagle.

We will drive separately and meet at the Spring Mount Trail Head. Take Spring Mountain Road in Schwenksville.  Pass the Spring Mountain Ski Area on your left.  We will meet in the gravel parking lot on the left just before the Perkiomen Creek Bridge. If you get to a three-way stop sign, you went too far.

Bring binoculars, lunch, and something to drink.  Dress for the weather. Field trip size is limited; registration is required for each attendee.

Morris Arboretum field trips adhere to CDC guidelines.  Leaders have the right to ask a participant to leave the program if someone is not adhering to these guidelines.  Leaders and participants must maintain social distancing, at least 6 feet of separation, and wear face masks during the program. Leaders may briefly remove their face mask to be heard by the group while maintaining social distance. Please do not come to a program if you are sick or have a sick family member.  There will be no sharing of equipment including binoculars or spotting scopes.

Tuesday, May 11 | 8:00am - 1:00pm

Members: $40 | Non-members: $45

On-location Field Trip

Sharon Meeker, Experienced Birder and Trip Leader

We will start the day exploring some of the hotspots for birds at the Morris Arboretum. We will visit the natural areas including wetlands, meadows, and the woodlands along the Wissahickon Creek. These areas provide great habitat for a wide variety of birds year-round.  We will see resident birds as well as migrating warblers. Then we will head to the Wissahickon section of Fairmount Park. We will stroll along the beautiful Wissahickon Creek, a designated Important Bird Area by the Pennsylvania Audubon Society. In this green corridor that features a variety of good habitats for birds, we hope to see spring migrants to our area as well as resident and nesting birds.

Park in the meadow next to the Arboretum entrance kiosk and meet Sharon there.  Bring your binoculars and dress for the weather. Field trip size is limited; registration is required for each attendee.

Morris Arboretum field trips adhere to CDC guidelines.  Leaders have the right to ask a participant to leave the program if someone is not adhering to these guidelines.  Leaders and participants must maintain social distancing, at least 6 feet of separation, and wear face masks during the program. Leaders may briefly remove their face mask to be heard by the group while maintaining social distance. Please do not come to a program if you are sick or have a sick family member.  There will be no sharing of equipment including binoculars or spotting scopes.

Tuesday, May 18 | 7:30am - 12:00pm

Members: $40 | Non-members: $45

On-location Field Trip

Sharon Meeker, Experienced Birder and Trip Leader

The Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust is 852-acre land conservancy in Huntington Valley.  It has 11 miles of woodland, meadow, and creekside trails.  Over 150 bird species have been recorded here including over 60 species of breeding birds.  Land was recently added to the Trust that preserved intact forest, the breeding habitat for birds that need deep, sheltered forest like scarlet tanagers, wood thrushes, and oven birds. We will visit at peak time for spring songbird migration.  

We will drive separately and meet at the Pennypack Ecological Trust offices.  Park in the main parking lot off of Terwood Road.  Bring your binoculars and dress for the weather.

Field trip size is limited; registration is required for each attendee.

Morris Arboretum field trips adhere to CDC guidelines.  Leaders have the right to ask a participant to leave the program if someone is not adhering to these guidelines.  Leaders and participants must maintain social distancing, at least 6 feet of separation, and wear face masks during the program. Leaders may briefly remove their face mask to be heard by the group while maintaining social distance. Please do not come to a program if you are sick or have a sick family member.  There will be no sharing of equipment including binoculars or spotting scopes.

Tuesday, May 25 | 7:30am - 10:30am

Members: $40 | Non-members: $45

On-location Class

Dr. Cindy Skema
Botanical Scientist, Morris Arboretum
Dr. Tim Block
The John J. Willaman Director of Botany, Morris Arboretum

This class is designed to introduce students to the basics of plant form, providing an understanding of the major features of the body of a flowering plant. It could be useful for beginners who are just starting to think about plants or as a review for anyone interested in plant identification or biology.
 
In the first part of the class, students will independently watch seven, short video lectures created by Dr. Skema, covering the main topics of plant form: 1) habit/longevity, 2) underground parts, 3) shoots, 4) leaves, 5) inflorescences, 6) flowers, and 7) fruits. These pre-recorded videos (roughly 45 minutes in total length) will be available online to students for one week to be watched asynchronously.  They will be e-mailed to you a week before the class starts.
 
In the second part of the class, students will have the opportunity to take their new (or refreshed) understanding of plant form out into the field in person with Dr. Block. Dr. Block will lead plant walks at the Morris Arboretum reviewing all of the basics of plant form with live material. Bring any questions you have from the video lectures to the field session. Each student enrolled in the class may attend one plant walk; plant walks will be scheduled with a maximum of ten students each to allow for social distancing. Meet at the Morris Arboretum Visitors Center.

Morris Arboretum in-person classes adhere to CDC guidelines.  Leaders have the right to ask a participant to leave the program if someone is not adhering to these guidelines.  Leaders and participants must maintain social distancing, at least 6 feet of separation, and wear face masks during the program. Leaders may briefly remove their face mask to be heard by the group while maintaining social distance. Please do not come to a program if you are sick or have a sick family member.

The number of people per section is limited.  Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.  Select the section you wish to attend:

Section 1:  Thursday, May 13 | 10:00am - 11:30am

Section 2: Friday, May 14 | 10:00am - 11:30am

Members: $35 | Non-members: $40

On-location Field Trip

Lynn Weaver, Education Intern, Morris Arboretum

Join Education Intern, Lynn Weaver, for a guided plant walk through part of the Wissahickon Valley Park, a gem of the Philadelphia park system! We will start at the Northwest entrance of the park and cover about 1.5 miles of maintained trails in and around the Andorra Meadow and Natural Area.  Easy walking will include stops to identify common native and non-native plants, discuss the history of the land, and enjoy the views.

Parking can be found along West Northwestern Avenue (if using a GPS app, putting in Northwestern Stables as the destination works well). Meet Lynn by The Cedars House Cafe, just inside the park entrance. Wear appropriate walking shoes and dress for the weather.

Field trip size is limited; registration is required for each attendee.

Morris Arboretum field trips adhere to CDC guidelines.  Leaders have the right to ask a participant to leave the program if someone is not adhering to these guidelines.  Leaders and participants must maintain social distancing, at least 6 feet of separation, and wear face masks during the program. Leaders may briefly remove their face mask to be heard by the group while maintaining social distance. Please do not come to a program if you are sick or have a sick family member. 

Saturday, May 22 | 8:30am - 10:30am

Members: $20 | Non-members: $25

On-location Class

Henry Martin, Artist

Drawing outdoors is a wonderful way to relax in the natural world, and this class, in the beautiful gardens of the Morris Arboretum, provides a fun and nurturing environment in which to draw some of the most beautiful trees in Philadelphia. We will explore several simple concepts designed to facilitate drawing for beginners and accomplished artists alike, concentrating on the movement and growth of trees. Henry Martin is a Philadelphia-based plein-air painter who uses the open air as his studio. He describes his style of painting as “atmospheric naturalism.”

Please be ready to draw on the first day by purchasing in advance a sketch or drawing pad no smaller than 11x14 inches. Please bring sharpened 2b and 4b pencils and a small pencil sharpener. The approximate cost for these materials is $20.

Morris Arboretum field trips adhere to CDC guidelines.  Leaders have the right to ask a participant to leave the program if someone is not adhering to these guidelines.  Leaders and participants must maintain social distancing, at least 6 feet of separation, and wear face masks during the program. Leaders may briefly remove their face mask to be heard by the group while maintaining social distance. Please do not come to a program if you are sick or have a sick family member. 

Four Thursdays:  May 20, 27, June 3, 10 | 10:30am - 1:30pm

Members: $145 | Non-members: $160

On-location Class

Karl Newman, Master Cabinetmaker, Green Woodworker

Green woodworking is undergoing a renaissance, and carving a wooden spoon is a great introduction to this craft. Learning this skill can be the first step to a new hobby and carving a spoon yourself can be a creative addition to your kitchen! Start your woodworking hobby in this exciting class with master cabinetmaker and green woodworking expert Karl Newman.   This class is offered twice, with two dates to choose from. Please select one date and register for one session only. Class size is limited.

Students should bring a good knife (suggested Mora straight knife #106) and a gouge or curved knife (suggested Mora curved knife #164). These are recommended but not required.  This class will take place in the red, open barn at the Arboretum’s Bloomfield Farm.  To get to Bloomfield Farm, turn onto the paved road across East Northwestern Avenue from the public garden entrance.  Take the second right and park in the parking lot.  Class is held in the red barn on the left.

Morris Arboretum field trips adhere to CDC guidelines.  Leaders have the right to ask a participant to leave the program if someone is not adhering to these guidelines.  Leaders and participants must maintain social distancing, at least 6 feet of separation, and wear face masks during the program. Leaders may briefly remove their face mask to be heard by the group while maintaining social distance. Please do not come to a program if you are sick or have a sick family member.  There will be no sharing of equipment.

Please select a date when registering:

Session 1:  Saturday, May 22 | 10:00am - 12:30pm

Session 2:  Saturday, June 5 | 10:00am - 12:30pm

Members: $50 | Non-members: $55

On-location Class

Amy Mawby, Naturalist and Youth Educator

Is your toddler a budding naturalist? Join us for a series of outdoor adventures designed to introduce children and their caregivers to the wonders of the natural world. Each session will include guided exploration through the Arboretum and a craft to take home. Children must be walking and accompanied by no more than one adult. Class size is limited for a socially distant, enjoyable experience so sign up soon!

Please dress for the outdoors and for the weather. Class size is limited to the first six registrants so register early.

Our most popular children’s series!  Sign up for one, two or all three sessions—each class is a new adventure!

Morris Arboretum’s outdoor classes adhere to CDC guidelines.  Leaders have the right to ask a participant to leave the program if someone is not adhering to these guidelines.  Leaders and participants must maintain social distancing, at least 6 feet of separation, and wear face masks during the program. Leaders may briefly remove their face mask to be heard by the group while maintaining social distance. Please do not come to a program if you are sick or have a sick family member. 

Session I: Three Mondays: April 12, 19 & 26

Session II: Three Mondays: May 10,17 & 24

Session III: Three Mondays: June 7, 14 & 21

10:30–11:30 am

Fee for each three-week session: Members: $65 | Non-members: $ 75

On-location Class

Creek Exploring (Ages 9-12)
Lynn Weaver
Education Intern, Morris Arboretum

Calling all young scientists and outdoors-people! Join intern, Lynn, for an hour of guided wetland and creek exploration at the Morris Arboretum! This class covers basic wetland plant and aquatic animal identification with open-ended exploring time and a guided water-quality activity. The class will start and end in front of Widener Visitor Center, with the rest of class time spent in the Arboretum’s wetland area. Dress for the weather and for getting dirty- wetland/creek exploring can cause wet shoes and muddy hands! Class size is limited.

Morris Arboretum’s outdoor classes adhere to CDC guidelines.  Leaders have the right to ask a participant to leave the program if someone is not adhering to these guidelines.  Leaders and participants must maintain social distancing, at least 6 feet of separation, and wear face masks during the program. Leaders may briefly remove their face mask to be heard by the group while maintaining social distance. Please do not come to a program if you are sick or have a sick family member. 

Saturday, April 24 | 10—11 am

Members: $20
Non-members: $25

On-location Class

Lori Litchman, Author and Educator

Hey tweens and teens! Do you like to write? Do you like being outdoors? Do you hate to write? Do you hate being outdoors? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this workshop is for you! Join naturalist author and educator, Lori Litchman, for an afternoon outside where we will connect with nature in the wetlands at Morris Arboretum and then learn ways to write about them. We will write some poetry and tell stories of being outside and share them. Plan to get dirty as we explore, so wear good (closed-toed) shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. We will meet in the meadow beside the Arboretum entrance kiosk.  Bring a sense of curiosity, a journal, and something to write with. If you are not comfortable sitting on the ground, please bring a blanket or towel to sit on. Students will receive a page of writing prompts to take home to continue to explore and write. (Ages 12+, class size is limited)

 Lori Litchman grew up in the Pocono Mountains and calls the City of Philadelphia her first true love. She writes about nature and the environment and loves to share those passions with budding environmentalists. She holds an MFA in Creative Nonfiction from Goucher College. When she’s not writing or hiking, she’s usually gardening in her tiny backyard. She is a PA-certified teacher in Environmental Education, English, ESOL, and Reading.

Park in the meadow next to the Arboretum entrance kiosk and meet Lori there.

Morris Arboretum field trips adhere to CDC guidelines.  Leaders have the right to ask a participant to leave the program if someone is not adhering to these guidelines.  Leaders and participants must maintain social distancing, at least 6 feet of separation, and wear face masks during the program. Leaders may briefly remove their face mask to be heard by the group while maintaining social distance. Please do not come to a program if you are sick or have a sick family member. 

Saturday, April 24 | 1:00pm - 2:30pm

Members: $22 | Non-members: $25

On-location class

Sara Trohaugh Yoga Teacher and Therapeutic Massage Practitioner

Mindfulness meditation is a form of meditation designed to develop the skills of deep listening to our inner and outer experiences with acceptance, patience, and compassion.  Mindfulness guides us to become more aware of thoughts and the sensory world: of what we are hearing, feeling, smelling, and experiencing through the body in the present moment, either inside or outside of ourselves.  In the beautiful setting of the Arboretum, this class will guide us to use mindfulness meditation practices to enjoy our surroundings and be fully present with ourselves as we stroll through the Arboretum.  Sara Trohaugh is a longtime yoga instructor and massage therapist in the Philadelphia area. 

Please wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather.  Meet Sara at the Visitors Center.  Class size is limited.

Morris Arboretum’s outdoor classes adhere to CDC guidelines.  Leaders have the right to ask a participant to leave the program if someone is not adhering to these guidelines.  Leaders and participants must maintain social distancing, at least 6 feet of separation, and wear face masks during the program. Leaders may remove their face mask to be heard by the group while maintaining social distance. Please do not come to a program if you are sick or have a sick family member.

Four Fridays:  May 7, 14, 21 & 28 | 10:30am - 11:30am

Members $65 | Non-members $70

On-location Class

Maggie Brown, RN, Certified Forest Therapy Guide, Nationally Certified Health and Wellness Nurse Coach

Shinrin Yoku, also known as Forest Bathing or Forest Therapy, is an ancient practice that is now supported by scientific research. Improved immune function, reduced cortisol levels, increased cognition and memory, and improved mood are just some of the clinical findings. Facilitated by a trained guide to help support your own relationship to the healing benefits of nature, this experience allows for mindful connection to the “more than human world.” Participants move at a slow pace and are invited to connect in a sensorial way to the beautiful surroundings of the Morris Arboretum. Leave the hectic world behind and come explore this ancient wisdom.

Meet at the Arboretum's Visitor Center.  Class size is limited. 

Morris Arboretum's outdoor classes adhere to CDC guidelines.  Leaders have the right to ask a participant to leave the program if someone is not adhering to these guidelines.  Leaders and participants must maintain social distancing, at least 6 feet of separation, and wear face masks during the program. Leaders may remove their face mask to be heard by the group while maintaining social distance. Please do not come to a program if you are sick or have a sick family member.

Tuesday, May 25 | 10:00am - 12:30pm 

Members: $35 | Non-members: $40

On-location Class

Sara Trohaugh, Yoga Teacher and Therapeutic Massage Practitioner

Enjoy four sublime afternoons of yoga at Morris Arboretum.  Immerse yourself in the flourishing beauty of the Arboretum's gardens in this unique nature inspired yoga experience.  Relax into a practice that promotes vitality and ease.  Connect to the breath like the breeze.  Mirror the steadiness and strength of trees in classic yoga poses.  Explore the wondrous expression of plants, insects, and outdoor creatures through flowing therapeutic movements.

Participants will explore the basics of yoga: breathing, mindfulness meditation, balance, flexibility, strength, and deep relaxation.  Sara Trohaugh, yoga teacher and therapeutic bodyworker, guides this flowing vinyasa practice designed for beginners and seasoned yoga practitioners alike. To learn more about Sara visit:  www.mtairybodywork.com

Please bring a yoga mat and wear comfortable clothing.

Morris Arboretum field trips adhere to CDC guidelines.  Leaders have the right to ask a participant to leave the program if someone is not adhering to these guidelines.  Leaders and participants must maintain social distancing, at least 6 feet of separation, and wear face masks during the program. Leaders may briefly remove their face mask to be heard by the group while maintaining social distance. Please do not come to a program if you are sick or have a sick family member. 

Four Tuesdays- | June 1, 8, 15, 22 (rain date June 29) | 4:00pm – 5:00pm

Four session fee: Members $65 | Non-members $70

On-location Class

Barry Jeffries, Landscape Architect and Morris Arboretum Guide

Join us for a tour of the unique landscape and historic architecture of the beautiful St. Martin’s area of Chestnut Hill. Adjacent to the natural treasures of the Wissahickon Valley, this community continues to be blessed with many uniquely designed areas with historic homes and gardens, earning it the title of Philadelphia’s “Garden Suburb.” There are fascinating connections that exist between the history and development of the St. Martin’s area, landscape gardening, and the Morris Arboretum. We will examine this community’s rich architectural and landscape design legacy that has contributed to making this a very desirable suburban enclave in the Philadelphia area.  Please be prepared to walk. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water.

Meet in front of Building 10 (Robotics Lab) at Springside/Chestnut Hill Academy, 500 West Willow Grove Avenue. (You may check the map on Springside/Chestnut Hill Academy website).

Morris Arboretum’s outdoor classes adhere to CDC guidelines.  Leaders have the right to ask a participant to leave the program if someone is not adhering to these guidelines.  Leaders and participants must maintain social distancing, at least 6 feet of separation, and wear face masks during the program. Leaders may remove their face mask to be heard by the group while maintaining social distance. Please do not come to a program if you are sick or have a sick family member.

Saturday, May 22 | 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Members $25 | Non-members $30