Bob Gutowski, Former Director of Visitor Experience and Education, Morris Arboretum & Gardens

Just before the April full moon—the 'Pink Moon' in old farmer’s almanacs—blooms in the sky, join us for an after-hours wander through the Garden. Discover tree silhouettes against the moonlight, listen to the sounds of the night, and maybe hear the hoot of an owl. Using red lights to keep our night vision intact, we’ll see what plant details emerge once the sunlight has faded. This special after-hours experience will be led by Bob Gutowski, an experienced horticulturist, naturalist, educator, and Morris historian. We will stick to level paths and start from the Welcome Center.

Thursday, April 10
6:30 – 8:30 pm

Members: $30 | Non-members: $35

Sam Bucciarelli, President of the Philadelphia Mycology Club 

Join the Philadelphia Mycology Club on a walk around the Morris to look for fungi growing behind the scenes of the main garden display! We will explore the grounds for fungi growing in the garden beds and amongst the trees and discuss how to document and identify them. We'll also discuss the important roles these fungi might be playing in the overall health of the gardens. 
Leading the tour is Sam Bucciarelli, president of the club. Sam is an educator with a passion for ecology, especially as it pertains to fungi and the role they play in helping our ecosystems thrive. Sam grew up in the NJ Pinelands but brought their passion for all things wild to Philadelphia in 2017 and have been sharing that passion with others ever since.

Saturday, April 19
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Members: $30| Non-members: $35

Kyra Matin, Propagator, Morris Arboretum & Gardens

Go behind the scenes with Morris Arboretum & Gardens’ Propagator Kyra Matin for an early spring tour of the greenhouse and propagation areas at the Morris. This tour will include a look into the greenhouses and the Dorrance H. Hamilton Fernery. Don't miss your chance to come inside these busy buildings that are usually closed to the public and hear about some of the special plants propagated for both display and research purposes. Kyra will share the history of the Fernery, stories of propagation successes and failures, and maybe even give you a sneak peek at upcoming projects!

Tuesday, April 29
10:00 – 11:30 am

Members: $30 | Non-members: $35

Sharon Meeker, Experienced Birder and Trip Leader

Crossways Preserve is a 57-acre haven for many species of plants and wildlife. Part of the Wissahickon Trails System, this spot in Blue Bell, PA, is a local favorite for birding! Let’s see what types of early spring migrants have arrived and stay just past dusk to hopefully catch the woodcocks in their flight dance!

Please bring a small flashlight as we will be traveling back to our cars after sunset. We will meet at the preserve on Cathcart Road, Blue Bell, PA 19422.

Friday, March 21
5:30 pm – dusk

Members: $35 | Non-members: $40

Troy Bynum, Whitemarsh Foundation  
Zach Gillespie, Morris Arboretum & Gardens

Join us for a morning of exploring the birds and plants at the Dixon Meadow preserve. Instructors Troy and Zach will collaborate within their own expertise to provide a guided walk that touches on bird migration, meadow ecology, and more. Covering 14 acres of land, the Dixon Meadow Preserve includes a boardwalk measuring nearly two-thirds of a mile. The preserve is a haven for birders, walkers and those who enjoy the area’s natural flora and fauna.

We will meet at the Dixon Meadow Preserve, 548 Flourtown Rd, Lafayette Hill, PA 19444.

Sunday, March 30
9:00 - 10:30 am

Members: $30 | Non-members: $35

Betsy Nutt, Bluebird Society of PA

Join us for an engaging program discussing the biology of bluebirds and the habitat necessary for attracting them and conserving them. We will also talk about bird box monitoring and predator control. We will start inside and then take a walk through the Morris Wetland to see and discuss the bluebird boxes in the field. You may want to bring your binoculars!
Betsy Nutt is a member of the speakers’ bureau of the Bluebird Society of Pennsylvania and is a Penn State master gardener volunteer. Many generations of Betsy’s family have been involved with bird study and conservation. Her eldest son is a master falconer. She and her husband have always loved bluebirds and have established a bluebird trail on their small farm in Blue Bell. With an emphasis on the importance of native plants, Betsy is delighted to share with us her love for her birds and gardens.  

Friday, April 4
1:00 – 3:00 pm

Members: $30 | Non-members: $35

Sharon Meeker, Experienced Birder and Trip Leader 

Explore some of the best spots for spring birding at the Morris Arboretum & Gardens! We will visit the Morris’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. If time permits, we will also have a chance to look for birds in other arboretum habitats. These sessions are for beginning or experienced bird watchers.  
This class meets at the Morris. Park in the meadow next to the entrance kiosk and meet Sharon there. Bring your binoculars. 

Pricing is per session.  Sign up for one or multiple sessions.

Session 1: Wednesday April 16
8:00 – 10:30 am  

Session 2: Wednesday, May 7
5:30 pm – dusk  

Session 3: Wednesday, May 28
7:30 – 10:00 am

Members: $25 | Non-members: $30

Sharon Meeker, Experienced Birder and Trip Leader

Birders of all experience levels are welcome on a birding adventure to Peace Valley Nature Center in nearby Doylestown. A great place to go birding (especially for beginners!), Peace Valley has as its centerpiece beautiful Lake Galena and offers trails that wind through varied habitats, such as woods and meadows. More than 250 species of birds have been sighted at Peace Valley, including cardinals, woodpeckers, finches, titmice, sparrows, as well as osprey, cormorants, kingfishers, and a variety of ducks.  
Bring binoculars if you have them and dress for the weather. We will meet at the Peace Valley Nature Center Visitor Center, 170 North Chapman Road, Doylestown, PA 18901.

Thursday, April 24
5:30 – dusk

Members: $35 | Non-members: $40

Damien Ruffner, Program Manager for Urban Conservation, Audubon Pennsylvania  

Come visit the Discovery Center and see the amazing variety of bird species found in and around the Strawberry Mansion Reservoir. Expert and novice birders are both welcome. We will look for birds in the midst of their spring migration. The Discovery Center is used by Audubon Mid-Atlantic for research and science-based conservation projects. It enables visitors to connect to Audubon's national and international conservation initiatives. Located on a major migratory stopover on the Atlantic Flyway for over 100 species of birds, it is a premier destination for birdwatching throughout the region. The tour will take us on a 1.5 mile walk around the reservoir.  
Binoculars are available for loan. We will meet at the Discovery Center, 3401 Reservoir Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19121.

Saturday, April 26
8:00 – 10:00 am

Members: $25 | Non-members: $30

Sharon Meeker, Experienced Birder and Trip Leader

Visit Briar Hill Preserve, see some spring migrants in the early morning light, and still get to your desk on time! Briar Hill Preserve, a beautiful piece of preserved land in the Wissahickon Watershed, is located next to Whitpain Township's Prophecy Creek Park. Together we will explore this forested and meadow habitat for spring arrivals. This park is known for its pristine ponds and connecting walking trails.  
Wear good walking shoes and bring binoculars. We will meet at Prophecy Creek Park, 205 W Skippack Pike, Ambler, PA 19002.

Friday, May 9
7:00 – 9:00 am

Members: $30 | Non-members: $35

Sharon Meeker, Experienced Birder and Trip Leader

Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve in New Hope, PA, has been a hotspot for birders in Bucks County for many years. More than 110 species can be seen over the course of a year, including 31 species of warblers during peak spring and fall migration. We will walk through the preserve, stopping at a wide variety of bird habitats.  
The class fee covers admission to enter the preserve. Dress for the weather. Bring binoculars and a snack. We will meet at Bowman’s Hill Visitor Center, New Hope, PA 18938.

Thursday, May 15
8:00 am – 12:00 pm

Members: $45 | Non-members: $50

Sharon Meeker, Experienced Birder and Trip Leader

Just across from Temple Ambler’s campus is a 38-acre township park and environmental education center. We will gather for some early morning birding, exploring the trails for spring migrants and nest builders. Bring a thermos of coffee and start your week off right!
We will meet at Robbins Park, 1419 E. Butler Pike, Ambler, PA 19002.  Bring your binoculars and wear good walking shoes.

Monday, May 19
7:00 – 9:00 am

Members: $30 | Non-members: $35

Sharon Meeker, Experienced Birder and Trip Leader

Join us for a full day of witnessing the spectacle of migrating shorebirds! We will meet at Reeds Beach, where a rich diversity of birds and other wildlife make this stop a must during a visit to the area. From the end of the jetty, you can see the length of the coastline from East Point to North Cape May. From there, we will carpool to several beaches on the Delaware bay as the tide comes in, bringing the horseshoe crabs in to spawn. We will finish our trip at Heislerville Wildlife Management Area for more shorebird viewing as the tide recedes.  
Bring your binoculars, lunch and a water bottle; we will picnic at East Point Lighthouse! Meet at the parking area next to the jetty at Reeds Beach (300 N Beach Dr., Villas, NJ 08251).

Thursday, May 22
10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Members: $75 | Non-members: $85

Pam Morris Olshefski, Plant Records & Living Collections Manager, Morris Arboretum & Gardens

And you thought all trees looked alike in winter! Learn to see both the obvious as well as the more subtle characteristics that make winter tree identification interesting. The class will begin indoors at the Welcome Center with a lecture introducing essential identification techniques and a review of important winter characteristics such as bud morphology, habit, leaf and bundle scars, bark, and fruit. The group will then move outside for a stroll through the Morris to put your knowledge to work. Dress for the weather.  

Thursday, March 27
10:30 am – 12:30 pm

Members: $30 | Non-members: $35

Nicole Duprée, Educator, Natural Materials Artist, and Creative Producer of Indigo in Green  

Explore the Morris with natural materials artist Nicole Duprée to identify sources of color to make botanical ink. Bottle sensory experiences and connection with nature, then experiment with shifting the color of your handcrafted ink to create a plant-based color palette for drawing, printmaking, and fine writing with dip pens and brushes.
Participants will have time to experiment with the different plants, shift pH to create new colors, and test your own inks on different kinds of paper. You will gain knowledge of colors that can be extracted from a collection of local plants, and how to make your own natural ink for drawing, writing, and botanical printmaking. You will leave with a small bottle of black walnut ink as well as a bottle of your own ink, your drawings or ink samples, and a reference zine.
We will meet at the Welcome Center before heading out to explore plants in the gardens. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. Aprons are advised to protect against stains.

Saturday, April 12
10:00 am – 12:30 pm

Members: $55 | Non-members: $60

Cat Pugh, Forestry Educator, Penn State Extension

Join Forestry Educator Cat Pugh to learn how to grow your own art supplies in plantings along streams called riparian buffers. This hands-on course will be a mixture of classroom instruction, a riparian buffer walk, and a hands-on floral arrangement activity to introduce participants to a variety of plant species that can be harvested for food and art.

No experience required, ages 12+. Please wear clothes you can get dirty and closed-toed shoes.   

Friday, April 18
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Members: $40 | Non-members: $45

Jessica Liddell, Owner, Bella Mosaic

Make a colorful and unique piece of jewelry with the fused glass process, which layers and melts cut glass together for luminous results. You will leave the class with pendants, pins, earrings and/or rings. This is a fun way to build up your jewelry collection or make gifts for friends. Have fun, get creative, and make something special!  
Instructor Jessica Liddell has been teaching art since 1995. She has exhibited her work nationally and has directed collaborative public arts projects in community centers, camps, and schools. This is a two-session class. In the first session of the class, we will work on our fused glass pieces. In the second session, we’ll use some simple jewelry-making techniques and add hooks and beads to our projects.

Two Fridays: May 2, May 9
12:30 – 2:30 pm

Members: $90 / Non-members: $95

Lori Litchman, Author, Teacher, Poet

Did you know that reading and writing poetry is good for your brain? And that being mindful in nature has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety? In this workshop, we’ll combine being mindful outdoors with writing poetry. Your brain will thank you as will your inner muse. Each session will start by reading a few poems for inspiration before setting out to mindfully observe the beauty of the Morris in May. Participants will receive weekly prompts and support to help craft poems. You’ll have ample time to write and play with words to create poems drawn from your mindful observations of the natural world. Participants will also have the opportunity to share their poems with the group. You’ll leave the class with tools to continue your mindful poetry writing as a regular habit. No background or previous experience writing poetry is necessary!  
Lori Litchman is an outdoor writer and poet. She has an MFA in creative writing and is the author of 60 Hikes within 60 Miles: Philadelphia. She’s a former high school English teacher who is passionate about helping others tap into their creative selves. She has trained at the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health to be a Mindful Outdoor Leader.  

Five Fridays, May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
10:30 am – 12:30 pm

Members: $150 / Non-members: $170

Mitch Roberge, Horticulturist & Artist, HSB Garden Designs, Calluna Plants & Gifts

Join us in the garden and learn the basics of watercolor in this 4-week seminar. During this course, you will complete one study per week, focusing on a different technique for capturing beauty in the natural world. Together, we will experiment with layering colors, creating texture, and building value as you find inspiration around the Morris Arboretum & Gardens.

This class will be held outside, with an inside space available in case of inclement weather. A materials list will be emailed to all participants in advance of the class.  

Four Saturdays: May 3, 10, 17, 24
10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Members: $145 / Non-members: $160

Henry Martin, Artist and Art Teacher  

What better way to herald the coming of spring than to draw outdoors, and where is a more magical place to do it than within the majestic trees of Morris Arboretum & Gardens? This class explores basic concepts designed to facilitate drawing for beginners and accomplished artists alike. Simply put, we use the trees to learn how to draw. We begin the first day with certain perceptual exercises that apply to all subject matter and then proceed to discuss detailed aspects of the trees’ anatomy, such as proportion, structure, branch patterns, foliage masses and sky holes, with the goal of arranging these visual components into a cohesive whole. Each class begins with exercises designed to warm up and hone our observational skills. Students then work at their own pace to take home a finished piece they can frame and treasure forever. A materials list will be emailed to each participant before the first class.

Four Mondays: May 5, 12, 19, 26
10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Members: $150 / Non-members: $165

Sara Robbins, Fiber Artist and Educator  

It’s time to be swept away with spring and maybe even the cleaning that traditionally comes with it! For centuries brooms have filled multiple needs such as function, ritual and decoration. Join in the fun of this heritage handicrafts and make two whisk brooms—a traditional Appalachian turkey wing and a hawk wing. We will be using authentic broomcorn to make our brooms. You will also learn a little broom lore along the way. To practice we will begin with a small broom for dusting crumbs off the table, cleaning mushrooms or silk from corn. This will give you a sense of what it’s like to wrap a broom tightly, so it does not come apart. Next you will move on to making a second, more complex broom. You will go home with two brooms you will feel proud to have made yourself, and all the knowledge you need to continue this craft on your own!  
Please note that moderate hand and wrist strength is a must for this class. We will also be using our feet as we will be working a ‘kickwinder’ which sits on the floor.

This SINGLE SESSION class will be held on two occasions (**New second date added below!!):

Thursday, May 22
1:00 pm – 4:30 pm  

Thursday, June 26

1:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Members: $85 / Non-members: $90

Sarah Claxton, Photographer, Educator, Author

Everyone is a photographer with a smartphone! Want to be a better one? Learn some technological fundamentals, photographic tips and develop a critical eye so you can take amazing pictures, no matter what kind of camera you have. No photography experience or special equipment is necessary—just your smartphone! In this workshop, you’ll learn how to compose a great image using depth of field, quality of light and composition tips and tricks. We'll discuss lighting and composition particularly as it relates to landscape and environmental photography, using perspective and magic hour. Then we'll take a walk through the gardens to experiment with both instructor guidance and on our own. Open to all skill levels. Bring your phone!  
Sarah Claxton has worked in the photo industry for 25+ years: as an editor for USA Weekend Magazine, commercial producer, photographer’s agent + consultant, and of course, as a photographer.  

Friday, May 30
10:00 am – 12:00 pm  

Members: $40 / Non-members: $45

Meghan Cary, Award-winning Songwriter, Artist, and Coach  

Are you a creative intrigued by the craft of songwriting? Or a more seasoned songwriter looking for inspiration and a few new tools for your writer's chest? Join award-winning songwriter Meghan Cary at the Morris in a class designed to jumpstart your creativity and fuel your passion for writing. This workshop welcomes both experienced and aspiring songwriters, offering a supportive environment to dive into the art and craft of songwriting amidst the spring blooms and inspirational setting of the garden. Join us to experiment, refine your craft, and rediscover the joy of songwriting—your muse will thank you!
Bring your instrument (if you’d like) and your creative spirit! You’re also invited to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in the garden after class.

Saturday, May 31
10:00 am – 1:00 pm  

Members: $75 / Non-members: $80

Meg Lemieur, Local Artist 

Grab a friend and your art supplies and join us at the Morris after hours for a fun evening of learning to draw pollinators! This workshop will guide you to draw these beautiful and important creatures by breaking down animal forms to their most basic shapes and learning to draw all your favorite details. From bats to bees to leaping lemurs, we will share lots of fun pollinator facts all while relaxing outside at Morris Arboretum & Gardens. 

Each class will include a period of instruction, time to draw independently using large scale models of pollinators in the Morris garden areas, and 1:1 feedback from Meg on your artwork. We will meet at the Welcome Center; bring a folding chair; a list of simple art supplies to bring a long will be emailed to all registrants.

Meg Lemieur is a Philadelphia artist whose mission is to celebrate the diversity, interconnectedness, and amazing feats of the natural world. Learn more about Meg on her website: meglemieur.com.  Don’t miss this special opportunity to learn from Meg in person in this gorgeous after-hours setting!  

REGISTRATION IS BELOW for each individual session, OR call to register for the full series at a discounted rate!  

Three Tuesdays, June 3, 10 and 17
6:00 – 8:00 pm

 Members: $40 / Non-members: $45

Members: $115 / Non-members: $125 Full series*

*Series discount pricing.  Please call us 215-247-5777 X125 to take advantage of this discount!

Meg Lemieur, Local Artist 

Session 1: 

Focus on learning the building blocks of drawing that will help you draw your favorite pollinators. Each class will include a period of instruction, time to draw independently using large scale models of pollinators in the Morris garden areas, and 1:1 feedback from Meg on your artwork. Don’t miss this special opportunity to learn from Meg in person in this gorgeous after-hours setting!

Tuesday, June 3
6:00 – 8:00 pm

Members: $40 / Non-members: $45

Meg Lemieur, Local Artist 

Session 2: 

Learn basic insect anatomy as well as tips and tricks to drawing fur, feathers, and scales.

Each class will include a period of instruction, time to draw independently using large scale models of pollinators in the Morris garden areas, and 1:1 feedback from Meg on your artwork. Don’t miss this special opportunity to learn from Meg in person in this gorgeous after-hours setting!

Tuesday, June 10
6:00 – 8:00 pm

Members: $40 / Non-members: $45

Meg Lemieur, Local Artist 

Session 3: 

Build upon what you've learned to construct your own artistic composition using a variety of proven techniques.

Each class will include a period of instruction, time to draw independently using large scale models of pollinators in the Morris garden areas, and 1:1 feedback from Meg on your artwork. Don’t miss this special opportunity to learn from Meg in person in this gorgeous after-hours setting!

Tuesday, June 17
6:00 – 8:00 pm

Members: $40 / Non-members: $45

Al Paris, Professional Chef/Restaurateur

These demonstration classes will cover the creation of a meal focused on products from Erdenheim Farm. Each class will include a discussion about how the food is raised or grown on the farm, followed by a cooking demonstration by Chef Al Paris, and finish with a chance to eat and savor the creation. Chef Al Paris has owned and created the culture and cuisine of 13 award-winning restaurants—most recently Paris Bistro in Chestnut Hill. He believes that all cooks can create their own distinct cuisine through the clarity of their vision and the use of the freshest seasonal ingredients.

The class meets at the Sheep Barn parking lot at Erdenheim Farm (5051 Flourtown Road, Lafayette Hill, PA 19444).

A different seasonal menu is offered, and typically changes monthly. Please sign up for each session separately.  

Registration and menus located below.

Al Paris, Professional Chef/Restaurateur

MENU: The August menu will include a black garlic and green onion ciabatta; top of the season heirloom tomato salad with farm greens; Bombay vegetarian crepes stuffed with chard, potato, chickpeas, and paneer; topped with chives and a poached egg. For dessert, Chef will serve a corn cake with roasted peaches and a maple cream and ginger honey syrup!  The meal features Erdenheim Farm tomatoes, eggs, potatoes, corn, peaches, honey, onions, and greens.

Saturday, August 23
12:00-3:00 pm

Members: $100/ Non-members: $110

Tama Matsuoka Wong, Forager, Meadow Doctor, Lawyer, Author, and Owner of Meadows + More 

SPRING is the time when people are tired of winter root vegetables, but it is still too cold for most farmed vegetables. This is the perfect time to explore the bounty of forageable, delicious "weeds" right at our feet in the Mid-Atlantic region! 

Join Tama for a morning of exploring the most delectable of these wild plants in the Morris’s meadows. Tama will break down common assumptions about what is ugly, what is useless and what is unwanted by gleaning and making delicious use of unwanted ‘weeds.’ After an introduction, the group will go on a walk and learn how to forage for common spring edibles. You’ll learn the historical background and harvesting tips of some of the most common wild edibles in the Mid-Atlantic region. Then Tama will discuss the cooking and preparation of these edibles, and we will share bountiful tastes of wild edibles and ideas for incorporating them into every meal! 

This program will be offered twice, once in early spring and once in late spring (registration below). Each class will explore different plants both in the field and on our plates!  Each requires a separate registration. 

Tama Matsuoka Wong is a forager, weed eater, meadow doctor, lawyer and mother of three. She is the author of the backyard field guide and cookbook Foraged Flavor (2012) and Into the Weeds (2024). She is the owner of Meadows + More, connecting great food with nature (meadowsandmore.com). 

EARLY SPRING
Saturday, April 5 
10:30 am – 12:30 pm 

Members: $50 / Non-members: $55

Tama Matsuoka Wong, Forager, Meadow Doctor, Lawyer, Author, and Owner of Meadows + More 

This LATE SPRING date is the perfect time to further explore the bounty of forageable, delicious "weeds" in our area.  We will explore different plants both in the field and on our plates!

LATE SPRING
Saturday, May 10 
10:30 am – 12:30 pm 

Members: $50 / Non-members: $55

Dorothy Bauer, Weavers Way Co-op Neighborhood Nutrition Team Member, Raw Food Chef 

Are you making desserts for your Passover or Easter table? Ditch unhealthy ingredients and replace them with health-promoting, nutrient-dense REAL food that will kick those sugar cookies to the curb! We’ll make delicious holiday treats that folks won’t believe are low-glycemic index, as well as dairy AND gluten-free. Truffles, pinwheel cookies and figgy pudding—everything will taste as good as it looks! Prepare to be amazed at how satisfying, nourishing, and delicious healthy food can be! Please contact us in advance with any food allergies or intolerances. Don’t forget to bring your sweet tooth and a to-go container! 

Dorothy Bauer spent most of her adult life in Berkeley, California, where she was able to take classes at Living Light Culinary Institute and study with world raw-food chef Elaina Love.  

Monday, April 7 
6:00 – 7:30 pm 

Members: $45 / Non-members: $50 

Allison Houghton, Garden Educator; Owner, The Sparrow Underground 

Even though there are thousands of edible species out there, we modern-day humans focus on less than 100 cultivated plant species for the majority of our diets! What flavors, delicacies, and nutrient-dense deliciousness do we miss? A lot. Come join Allison for the first of two deep dives into the incredible wild edibles all around us and some of the history on why we eat what we eat and some enticing reasons (and recipes) for why we should try these wild foods. We'll learn about species like Japanese knotweed, turkey tail mushrooms, black walnut, elderberry, garlic mustard, among others! 

This class meets at High Point Café at the Allen Lane Train Station. Wear sturdy walking shoes, bring a curious mind and a sense of adventure! 

Friday, April 11 
9:00 am – 12:00 pm 

Members: $35 / Non-members: $40

Allison Houghton, Garden Educator; Owner, The Sparrow Underground  

Even though there are thousands of edible species out there, we modern-day humans focus on less than 100 cultivated plant species for the majority of our diets! What flavors, delicacies, and nutrient-dense deliciousness do we miss? A lot. Come join Allison for the second of two deep dives into the incredible wild edibles all around us and some of the history on why we eat what we eat and some enticing reasons (and recipes) for why we should try these wild foods.   

This program will walk some of the lesser-known trails at Morris, through the arboretum’s natural lands, along the Wissahickon Creek, and around the Morris Wetland. We'll learn about species like common milkweed, morels, chickweed, nettles, wild bergamot, and juneberries, among others!  

This class meets at the Morris Wetland. Park in the meadow next to the entrance kiosk and meet Allison there.   

Friday, May 2  
9:00 am – 12:00 pm  

Members: $35 / Non-members: $40  

Liz Aubry, Bartender, Bar Lizette 

Spring Forward into a treasure trove of cocktail ingredients. With the frost lifting, the home gardener has plenty of fresh ingredients to turn into seasonal cocktails. From fresh herbs and flowers to early harvest produce, learn how to bring your spring garden to the glass.  

This class will focus on flavor combinations and cover techniques and ingredients accessible to the home bartender, all surrounded by the beautiful backdrop of Morris Arboretum & Gardens at sunset! This class is not to be missed (and is for ages 21+). 

Sunday, May 4 
6:00 – 8:00 pm  

Members: $60 / Non-members: $65

Dorothy Bauer, Weavers Way Co-op Neighborhood Nutrition Team Member; Raw Food Chef 

Water kefir is a slightly sweet and fruity drink that is easy to make! Milder and less acidic than kombucha, water kefir is packed with probiotics and can be an excellent addition to a well-rounded diet. In this class, you’ll learn how to make your own home brew of this tasty probiotic beverage for a fraction of the store cost. We will cover the health benefits and the many flavoring possibilities, not to mention the gift potential. Each participant will go home with a kit that includes everything you need to start your own batch (except the water).  

Dorothy Bauer spent most of her adult life in Berkeley, California, where she was able to take classes at Living Light Culinary Institute and study with world raw food chef Elaina Love. 

Monday, May 5 
6:00 – 7:30 pm 

Members: $45 / Non-members: $50

Mitch Roberge, Horticulturist, Artist, Educator 

Learn the basics of cupcake decorating and impress your friends and family with cupcakes that look like a variety of succulents and cacti! In this two-hour *hands-on* workshop you will learn everything from making silky Swiss meringue buttercream to creating the perfect swirl of frosting decorated with detailed hand-piped floral techniques. Participants will be provided with cupcakes, swiss meringue buttercream, and food coloring.  A materials list will be emailed to all participants in advance of the class. 

Saturday, May 31 
1:00 – 3:00 pm 

Members: $45 / Non-members: $50 

Dorothy Bauer, Weavers Way Co-op Neighborhood Nutrition Team Member, Raw Food Chef  

Join us for a mushroom-focused evening of culinary exploration! This program will dive into the delicious and healthful qualities of mushrooms and explore their preparation in several different delectable ways. We’ll make (and taste!) savory mushroom jerky, umami mushroom crackers, and even mushroom-based beverages. If you are as enamored by our fungal friends as we are, you’ll love this class. Tastings and recipes included! 

Dorothy Bauer spent most of her adult life in Berkeley, California, where she was able to take classes at Living Light Culinary Institute and study with world raw food chef Elaina Love. 

Monday, June 9 
6:00 – 7:30 pm 

Members: $45 / Non-members: $50 

Rebecca Silvey, Environmental Educator   

Children ages 2-4 and their favorite caregiver are invited to join us to explore the outdoors and learn about some fun early science subjects like leaves, weather, soil, and insects. In each class we will take time to do an age appropriate activity and read an engaging story outside in nature! Class occurs rain or shine so please dress for the weather and bring sun protection and water. In the case of extreme weather we will move indoors.  
As we will be going on adventures on uneven terrain, we ask that all participants wear sturdy shoes and leave strollers behind. Siblings should register as participants.  Please arrive 15 minutes before the class start time so you can find your way to our starting spot in the Whimsical Woods.  

Six Mondays: April 14, 21, 28; May 5, 12, 19 
10:30 – 11:15 am   

Members: $140 / Non-members: $160

Erin Park, Children’s Yoga Instructor, Youth Educator  

Join us for Whimsical Woods Yoga, a fun adventure for kids ages 2-7 years and their families! In this playful class, kids will explore the arboretum, do fairy and gnome poses, dance like magical creatures, and make nature-inspired drawings. We’ll also take an imaginary journey to meet friendly animals and build cute mushroom homes for fairies and gnomes. It’s a wonderful way to spark creativity and love for nature. Come discover the magic of the woods! 

Erin Park is the playful yoga guide who brings joy and laughter to children’s adventures! Having a children’s yoga certification and over 10 years of teaching experience working with children in an educational environment, she decided to mix her love of both. She creates magical classes filled with storytelling, games, and imaginative poses that nurture young hearts and minds. Certified in child-friendly yoga techniques, Erin fosters confidence, creativity, and connection in every child, empowering them to explore movement and mindfulness with curiosity and kindness!

Arrive a few minutes early to allow for time to walk to the class location in the Whimsical Woods. Caregivers can choose to participate alongside of their children or simply sit with them during the program. 

Thursday, April 17 
11:00 am – 12:00 pm  

Members: $30 / Non-members: $35

Erin Park, Children’s Yoga Instructor, Youth Educator  

Join us for Garden Guardians Yoga, a fun class for kids ages 2 to 7! Little yogis will explore animal and plant poses like Frog, Butterfly, and Sunflower, all while learning about the importance of protecting nature. We’ll have playful discussions about how they can be “garden guardians” at home and in their communities. Come enjoy the beauty of the Morris and connect with nature in this delightful outdoor experience! 
Erin Park is the playful yoga guide who brings joy and laughter to children’s adventures! Having a children’s yoga certification and over 10 years of teaching experience working with children in an educational environment, she decided to mix her love of both. She creates magical classes filled with storytelling, games, and imaginative poses that nurture young hearts and minds. Certified in child-friendly yoga techniques, Erin fosters confidence, creativity, and connection in every child, empowering them to explore movement and mindfulness with curiosity and kindness!  
Arrive a few minutes early to allow for time to walk to the class location in the Whimsical Woods. Caregivers can choose to participate alongside of their children or simply sit with them during the program. 

Saturday, May 3 
1:30 – 2:30 pm 

Members: $30 / Non-members: $35

Stephanie Bruneau, Assistant Director of Adult Education, Morris Arboretum & Gardens

Brooke Ezzo, Penn Vet, Wildlife Futures Program
 
Come join us for an all-ages program all about fireflies and other creatures of the night!

Did you know that fireflies are not flies, but are actually beetles? Or that our planet is home to over 2,200 firefly species, and that over 30 species can be found in PA? Or that “glow worms” are actually firefly larvae, and can be found lighting up the soil all around us at night if we only know where and how to look?  In this program we will explore the natural history of fireflies, ways of observing and telling them apart, and what we can do to make our gardens more “glowing.”  Then, representatives from the Penn Vet Wildlife Futures Program will tell us about the work that they do to help our state’s wild species thrive, and about some of our nighttime neighbors that come out when the sun goes down!

The program will conclude with a short night walk in the garden where we will look for these nocturnal neighbors, and see some light-flash conversations in person. 

One registration covers one adult and one child.  Children must be accompanied by an adult.  Additional adults will require additional registration. 

Tuesday, June 24
7:30 – 8:45 pm  

Members: $25 / Non-members: $30  

Margaret Kinnevy, Naturalist, Community Nurse Educator, Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine
 
This curated set of walks begins as winter recedes and signs of spring begin to emerge all around (the first class will take place on the date of the Spring Festival celebration on the lunisolar Chinese calendar). Our experience on each walk will look and feel different as the seasons change.
We will meet at the Welcome Center, and together we will venture a few steps off the paved pathways, to the hidden-in-plain-sight areas where you will wish to return for quiet contemplation or to delight in spring’s crescendo of blooms and scents.   Throughout this spring season two new areas of development will rise before our eyes: the new pollinator garden installation and the expansion of the witchhazel area.  
You will learn easy ways to stay warm outdoors in the cooler seasons and find a sense of peace and well-being as the spring emerges both in the natural world and within yourself.   The class is all outdoors and will be held rain or shine. Dress for the weather! 

Note: These Monday sessions are not consecutive, but every other Monday as the winter turns to spring. Sign up for the full series at a discount!

Five Mondays, February 3, February 17; March 3, 17, 31; April 14 (new date)  
11:00 am – 12:30 pm  

Members: $25 / Non-members: $30

*Series discount pricing available - Members: $120 / Non-members: $145 

Please call us 215-247-5777 X125 to take advantage of this discount!

Margaret Kinnevy, Naturalist, Community Nurse Educator, Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine

Monday, March 31 / 11:00 am – 12:30 pm  
Members: $25 / Non-members: $30

Margaret Kinnevy, Naturalist, Community Nurse Educator, Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine

Monday, April 14 / 11:00 am – 12:30 pm  
Members: $25 / Non-members: $30

Jude Thachet, School Outreach Coordinator, Morris Arboretum & Gardens

Many of us want to build strong bonds and create lasting memories in our families, but how? Looking to the natural world can help us create small rituals that connect to something larger and foster a sense of belonging. Program leader Jude Thachet, for example, travels with her family to Bombay Hook Wildlife Refuge every Black Friday to see the snow geese in migration. It is less commercial than the mall and is an expression of what her family values: fun, the outdoors, being together.  
For this workshop, we’ll use the spring equinox to explore how we might create family traditions that remind us of our connection to nature and our intentions for each other. We don’t all have to take an annual road trip to the middle of Delaware, but we can all think about our family’s values and how we want to express them!
Jude,from Morris’s Education Department, will lead participants through a fun and joyful process of identifying what’s important in your family, connecting those values to nature, and developing simple but intentional ways to enact and embody them. After some guided and playful exploration and discussion, the group will engage in an activity planting a living basket that can be used as a focal point for your family’s celebrations. It will grow and change with the seasons and reflect your unique family identity. This program is for adults only.

Saturday, March 29
10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Members: $25 / Non-members: $30

Aimée Alesgría Barry, Owner, Centaur Tai Chi

Join instructor Aimée Alegría Barry for a workshop in meditation techniques that work through movement and breath to calm both mind and body. This course is ideal for people of all skill levels who are dealing with stresses and seeking new ways to feel more present and embodied. The program will include qi gong stretches, tai chi walking, guided meditation and more, all in the midst of spring’s unfolding in the gardens.

Register for each monthly session separately, below, or attend all three sessions at a discounted rate with registration by phone.

3 Saturdays: April 19, May 17, June 21
10:30 – 11:30 am 

Members: $30 / Non-members: $35
 Members: $80 / Non-members: $90  *Series discount pricing

Please call us 215-247-5777 X125 to take advantage of this discount!

Aimée Alegría Barry, Owner, Centaur Tai Chi

Saturday, April 19 / 10:30 – 11:30 am

Members: $30 / Non-members: $35

Aimée Alegría Barry, Owner, Centaur Tai Chi

Saturday, May 17
10:30 – 11:30 am 

Members: $30 / Non-members: $35

Aimée Alegría Barry, Owner, Centaur Tai Chi

Saturday, June 21 / 10:30 – 11:30 am 

Members: $30 / Non-members: $35

Aimée Alegría Barry, Owner, Centaur Tai Chi   

Are you curious about tai chi? Join us for a one session outdoor tai chi ‘taster’ with the beauty of the Morris as a peaceful backdrop as you learn more about this martial art practice. Tai chi, a series of postures done slowly, promotes balance, flexibility, and strength. Tai chi is known as a soft martial art because it emphasizes a calm mind and relaxed body. No prior tai chi experience is needed. Meet at the Welcome Center. Dress for the weather.

Thursday, April 24
10:30 – 11:30 am

Members: $30 | Non-members: $35

Aimée Alegría Barry, Owner, Centaur Tai Chi  

Join us for an outdoor tai chi series, with the beauty of the unfolding springtime at Morris as a peaceful and grounding backdrop for your practice. Tai chi, a series of postures done slowly, promotes balance, flexibility, and strength. While teaching the tai chi form, Aimée Alegría Barry introduces the yin and yang principles that underlie this martial art. Tai chi is known as a soft martial art because it emphasizes a calm mind and relaxed body.
All levels welcome. Classes will be held outdoors with an indoor option available for weather. Meet at the Welcome Center. Dress for the weather.

Six Thursdays: May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; June 5
10:30 – 11:30 am  

Members: $110 / Non-members: $120

Kelly McLeod, Holden Qigong Certified Teacher; Founder, Chee Gong with Kelly Kel

Curious about qigong but not sure if it’s right for you? Join experienced practitioner Kelly McLeod for this introductory session and discover its potential to help you feel grounded, revitalized, and at ease. Kelly will walk you through qigong postures and movements while also explaining some of this healing art’s history, the Five Elements theory that motivates it, and the science behind how it helps to regulate the nervous system and promote relaxation. After learning and practicing the opening movements of the Five Elements form, you’ll finish with a guided meditation. Come to deepen your understanding and to experience the power of Qigong to help you feel energized and balanced.

Wednesday, May 7
10:30 – 11:30 am

Members: $30 | Non-members: $35

Kelly McLeod, Holden Qigong Certified Teacher; Founder, Chee Gong with Kelly Kel

Join experienced practitioner Kelly McLeod for six weeks of Five Elements Qigong amidst the tranquil beauty of nature at the Morris Arboretum & Gardens. Embrace the arrival of spring with this ancient Chinese art for fitness and healing, through routines that will include breathing techniques, warm-ups, stretching, invigorating exercises, gentle flowing movements and a brief closing meditation. Each session will let you explore the Five Elements theory of qigong as you connect your energy with the energy of the natural surroundings to feel grounded, revitalized, and at ease. Regardless of your prior experience, all are welcome to join and rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit.

Six Wednesdays, May 14, 21, 28; June 4, 11, 18
10:30 – 11:30 am  

Members: $110 / Non-members: $120

Maura Manzo, Yoga and Meditation Teacher
 
Join experienced yoga instructor Maura Manzo for this one-of-a-kind yoga experience on the Out-on-A-Limb exhibit at Morris, suspended 50 feet above ground and surrounded by a canopy of trees, colors, sights and sounds.  
This unique practice will be tailored to all skill levels and focuses on poses that promote rootedness, connection, and mindfulness. Human beings are deeply connected to trees and have much to learn from them, as well. Class will end with an extended guided relaxation inspired by one their greatest teachings: there is beauty that comes from letting go.
This treetop yoga experience is a wonderful way to combine the physical and mental benefits of yoga with the beauty and serenity of the natural world. You are invited to come early to class and explore the Morris’s walking trails and gardens as part of your experience.

One Thursday evening each month. Register below for each session separately. 

Members: $35 / Non-members: $40

Pricing is per session

This treetop yoga experience with Maura is a wonderful way to combine the physical and mental benefits of yoga with the beauty and serenity of the natural world. You are invited to come early to class and explore the Morris’s walking trails and gardens as part of your experience.

Thursday, May 15
5:15 – 6:30 pm

Members: $35 | Non-members: $40

This treetop yoga experience with Maura is a wonderful way to combine the physical and mental benefits of yoga with the beauty and serenity of the natural world. You are invited to come early to class and explore the Morris’s walking trails and gardens as part of your experience.

Thursday, June 26
5:15 – 6:30 pm

Members: $35 | Non-members: $40

This treetop yoga experience with Maura is a wonderful way to combine the physical and mental benefits of yoga with the beauty and serenity of the natural world. You are invited to come early to class and explore the Morris’s walking trails and gardens as part of your experience.

Thursday, July 24
5:15 – 6:30 pm

Members: $35 | Non-members: $40

This treetop yoga experience with Maura is a wonderful way to combine the physical and mental benefits of yoga with the beauty and serenity of the natural world. You are invited to come early to class and explore the Morris’s walking trails and gardens as part of your experience.

Thursday, August 21
5:15 – 6:30 pm

Members: $35 | Non-members: $40

Jennifer Schelter, Teacher, Writer, Artist, and Founder of The Radiant Retreat  

Have you seen the incredible summer view from the grassy plateau, surrounded by blue sky, hemlocks and beech trees, facing west from Morris toward Erdenheim Farm? That setting and view provides the backdrop for this unique opportunity to study gentle yoga led by Jennifer Schelter, one of Philadelphia's premier yoga teachers. A master yoga teacher, writer and artist, Jennifer has taught for 26 years. Her philosophy is to practice for longevity and aging gracefully. She offers a rare embodied and poetic quality of metaphor, and inspiration for creative, mindful living. The yoga practice is both for the body as well as for the opportunity to reflect on one’s own heart, intention and truth. 
Participants learn the basics of yoga: breathing, mindfulness meditation, balance, strength, flexibility, core awareness, and deep relaxation. All are welcome, including beginners. Please bring a yoga mat, a towel to place under your mat, and wear comfortable clothes. In inclement weather the class will meet indoors.

Each monthly registration includes four early evening sessions, every Monday of the month, after the arboretum has closed to the public. Session 1 will be held Mondays in June and session 2 will be held Mondays in July.  Register for both sessions for a full summer of inspiration, health and zen. 

Session 1 - June  |  Mondays: June 9, 16, 23, 30 (Register here)
Session 2 - July  |  Mondays: July 7, 14, 21, 28  (Registration below) 
5:15 - 6:15 pm   

Members: $85 / Non-members: $95

**Single-session walk-ins always welcome on fair-weather days  for $25 (no member discount). Exact change cash payment is required; please arrive 10-15 minutes early.

Jennifer Schelter, Teacher, Writer, Artist, and Founder of The Radiant Retreat  

Whether your practice continues or you're just joining us, enjoy your practice in July with the incredible summer view from the Morris's grassy plateau, surrounded by blue sky, hemlocks and beech trees.  Register for both sessions for a full summer of inspiration, health and zen.

 All are welcome, including beginners. Please bring a yoga mat, a towel to place under your mat, and wear comfortable clothes. In inclement weather the class will meet indoors.

Each monthly registration includes four sessions.

 Session 2 - July (4 weeks)
Mondays: July 7, 14, 21, 28
5:15 - 6:15 pm   

Members: $85 / Non-members: $95

**Single-session walk-ins always welcome on fair-weather days $25. Exact change cash payment is required; please arrive 10-15 minutes early. (no member discount)

Vince Marrocco,  Gayle E. Maloney Director of Horticulture, Morris Arboretum & Gardens  

Learn to skillfully prune shrubs and small trees to achieve a natural shape and abundant flowering. After an indoor lecture, you will have the opportunity to see demonstrations designed to help you master pruning concepts and gain confidence. Formative pruning for young trees and proper pruning techniques for larger, older trees will be covered, as well as naturalistic techniques for creating attractive hedges and methods for reducing the size of overgrown shrubbery. Please bring hand pruners and a small pruning saw to the class.  

Friday, March 21 *
9:30 am – 12:00 pm  

Members: $35 / Non-members: $40

*NOTE:  This class date is listed incorrectly in our print catalog.  Class takes place on the date/time above.

Bob Gutowski, Former Director of Visitor Experience & Education, Morris Arboretum & Gardens  

Join former Director of Education Bob Gutowski in his own lush garden at the height of the vibrant spring season for hands-on experiential learning to hone your skills in plant division and transplanting techniques. Take away gardening tips along with plants that you’ll have divided or dug as part of the workshop. This practical workshop will include sun and shade, meadow plants, ground covers, border plants, and possibly some woody treasures, depending on what we find ready and waiting for you in Bob’s garden. Come deepen your horticultural knowledge under the guidance of an expert green thumb! Exact address (in Flourtown) will be provided for registrants before the class. Bring a lunch, and dress to garden!

Saturday, April 26
10:00 am – 1:30 pm  

Members: $70 / Non-members: $80

Andrew Conboy, Certified Arborist & Founder, Colonial Canopy Trees  

From dry ridge tops to swamp margins to serpentine barrens, our native oak species (Quercus) thrive in an exceptionally wide range of environmental conditions. Oaks serve as important keystone species throughout much of the United States, and their ecological value is unrivaled. Despite this, oaks are often underutilized outside of ecologically oriented native-plant landscapes. In this course, we will explore the versatility of our PA-native oaks in the landscape. We'll learn about each species' preferences and discuss how you can implement more in your designs, projects, and gardens. We'll then walk through the Quercus collection (Quercetum) on the Bloomfield Farm side of the arboretum to check out various majestic specimens!
This class has been approved for 2 CEUs with ISA, LA CES, and the New Jersey Board of Tree Experts.  

Friday, May 9
1:00 – 3:00 pm  

Members: $30 / Non-members: $35

Please go to our School of Arboriculture section to register for this course

Michelle Detwiler, Wild About Native Plants
 
Learn how to make your space a haven for hummers! Curious about the life history of this fascinating bird? Interested in providing the natural conditions to support successful migration, foraging, and nesting in your yard? Did you know that you can see hummingbirds in your space from spring through late summer without an artificial nectar feeder?  
Ecological planting designer, Michelle Detwiler will present her favorite list of native plants for seasonal blooms—an irresistible buffet for this high-energy avian.
The class will end with a walk to see if we can spot some hummingbirds amidst the plantings growing to attract them in the Morris gardens!
 
Saturday, May 10
1:00 – 2:30 pm

Members: $30 / Non-members: $35

Damien Ruffner, Program Manager for Urban Conservation, Audubon Pennsylvania  

Join Audubon Mid-Atlantic at the Discovery Center for a native plant tour. We will be guided through the property to see the native plants, smell the native flowers, and look for our native pollinators that call the Discovery Center home. This tour will also look into future plans of site care at the Discovery Center and look at invasive species of plants they are trying to eradicate. The tour will take us on a 1.5 mile walk around the reservoir—wear good walking shoes!

Saturday, June 21
10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Members: $30 / Non-members: $35

Trevor Schulte, Azalea Meadow Horticulturist, Morris Arboretum & Gardens  
 
Join us at Morris for a talk-and-walk exploring the arboretum’s collection of native azalea! First, we will learn about horticulturist Trevor Schulte’s recent trip scouting Rhododendron prunifolium (plumleaf azalea) across their native range in Alabama and Georgia. In this trip, Trevor joined a group from Holden Forests and Gardens to help update GPS coordinates, survey plant populations and health, and search for new populations of this beautiful and fragrant native plant. The trip was successful and they found plenty of shrubs in full bloom, along with lots of other cool plants!  
After a short period of learning indoors, we will head into the garden for a guided walk to see (and smell!) this beautiful plant in our collection.
 
Friday, July 25
10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Members: $25 / Non-members: $30

Moving past the WHY, this series will explore HOW you can transform your garden, yard, or outdoor space into a thriving ecosystem that nurtures and supports a diverse range of plants, animals, and insects. Whether you're a land-care professional, an avid home gardener, or just getting started, join us at the Morris to discover simple, practical ways to make your home landscape more biodiverse—helping to restore balance, promote sustainability, and connect with nature right outside your door.
 
From creating habitat for pollinators and amphibians to choosing native plants and adopting land-care techniques that support local wildlife, this series will guide you through actionable steps to attract beneficial species, improve soil health, conserve water, and reduce the need for chemical inputs. By the end, you'll have the tools to cultivate a vibrant, resilient landscape that not only enhances your home's beauty but also contributes to the broader health of the environment.  
 
Ready to invite nature in? Let’s get started below!

Michelle Detwiler, Wild About Native Plants
 
Monarchs still need our help! Learn how to support the migration and reproduction of these iconic butterflies in your space. Ecological planting designer Michelle Detwiler will present her favorite native plants to feed all life stages, including local milkweed species as well as essential nectar plants often overlooked in our gardens. Get tips on planting design for the most productive habitat for monarch caterpillars as well as guidance on incorporating a variety of habitat-friendly species for wet-to-dry site conditions. Leave feeling empowered to participate in the necessary cooperation for habitat restoration and conservation to protect these endangered beauties.
This class has been approved to carry 2 LA CES CEUs for Landscape Architects.

Tuesday, March 25
6:00 – 8:00 pm  

Members: $35 / Non-members: $40

Christopher Roddick, ISA Certified Arborist, NOFA AOLCP  

Modern arboriculture recognizes trees as the center of tree-based ecosystem and yet, in practice, we all too often manage trees as isolated organisms. This workshop will introduce you to Ecological Arboriculture, a holistic approach to caring for trees, woody plants, and landscapes that considers trees as habitat, food sources, and ecosystem engineers. Planting strategies, species selection, and other arboriculture practices can be adapted to increase biodiversity and functionality in the landscape while still making beautiful spaces.  
Christopher Roddick spent 30 years as the head arborist and foreman of grounds at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Now he’s moved to southern New England to start Sweet Birch Land & Tree, an arboricultural consultancy and practice. By looking at trees as tree-based ecosystems, Chris follows a holistic approach to caring for trees and land called Conservation Arboriculture. Chris is an ISA Certified Arborist and a NOFA AOLCP. He is the author of the Tree Care Primer, a guide to care for young, mature, and veteran trees.
After a morning of learning indoors, we will move into the gardens for an afternoon of learning outdoors. Dress for the weather. This course has been approved for 6 CEUs from the ISA, LA CES, and NJ Board of Tree Experts.

Friday, March 28
9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Fee: $165

Ryan Drake, McCausland Natural Areas Manager, Morris Arboretum & Gardens

The Morris hosts a great diversity of native bees and ways to support these important insects. This workshop will be a hybrid of classroom learning about pollination ecology, field ID, and training on photography-based citizen science so that you can contribute data on our native bees. Then we will take a walk through the Natural Areas to put our ID skills and citizen science to practice through a variety of habitats. Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather.  

Saturday, May 3    
1:00 – 3:00 pm

Members: $30 | Non-members: $35

Mitch Roberge, Horticulturist & Artist

Learn how to create a welcoming environment for native wildlife in your garden in this informational seminar. Participants will learn what plants attract different species, and how to cultivate shelter and nesting sites for all walks of the animal kingdom. From birds and butterflies to snakes and toads—we will discuss them all! You will leave feeling empowered to transform your garden into a sanctuary for native wildlife, enhancing biodiversity and contributing to environmental conservation in your community. Whether you have a small urban garden or a larger rural property, this class will provide you with the tools to create a beautiful space that nurtures both plants and animals.

Wednesday, June 18
6:00 – 7:30 pm

Members: $30 | Non-members: $35

Aaron Greenberg, Arboretum Manager, Laurel Hill Cemeteries  

Join us on a tree tour highlighting the magnolia collection at Laurel Hill East, one of Philadelphia’s very special places. Laurel Hill Arboretum Manager Aaron Greenberg will show us enormous, beautiful trees and other plantings that have been added recently as the cemetery increases its magnolia collection and its commitment to horticulture. Laurel Hill has an assemblage of ~200 specimens of magnolia that recently has been dedicated as the Paul Meyer Memorial Magnolia Collection. This collection is the result of a donation from Meyer, the former executive director of the Morris, who died in 2023 and is buried at Laurel Hill, and his wife, Debra Rogers. The tour will include a walk through some of Laurel Hill’s magnolia collection that should be in full bloom, as well as discussion of basic botanical characteristics, best cultivation practices, good species for your home landscape, and interesting insights into the history and management of the cemetery’s magnolia collection. Aaron will also highlight other interesting specimens of Laurel Hill’s living collection and discuss some of the challenges and opportunities of managing a cemetery arboretum.  

Established in 1836 as the second major garden-designed cemetery in the U.S., Laurel Hill is now the nation’s first National Historic Landmark cemetery. Laurel Hill’s natural beauty, serenity, and views of the Schuylkill River make it a great place to go for a peaceful walk or retreat from the city. This beautiful green space is complemented by the breathtaking art, sculpture, and architecture that can be found there. Parking is available within the cemetery and at 3751 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19132. We will meet at the Gatehouse courtyard at the cemetery’s main entrance at: 3822 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19132.  

Tuesday, March 18
10:00 am – 12:00 pm  

Members: $35 / Non-members: $40

Sandi Polyakov, Head Gardener, Shofuso Japanese House and Garden   

Shofuso Japanese House and Garden, located in .Philadelphia's West Fairmount Park, is a 17th century-style Japanese house with traditional Japanese-style gardens. Originally designed for the Museum of Modern Art in the early 1950s, Shofuso was brought to Philadelphia in 1957 and resides on the site of the first-ever Japanese style garden in North America, built for the 1876 World's Fair. Join Sandi, head gardener at Shofuso, to learn about that history, see the beautiful cherry blossoms, and understand the intricacies of traditional Japanese-style gardening, an art form dating back more than a thousand years. We will meet at Shofuso in West Fairmount Park (Lansdowne Drive & Horticultural Drive).

Thursday, April 10
1:30 – 3:30 pm

Members: $35 / Non-members: $40

David Culp, Gardener, Author, Lecturer, and Designer  

Meet at historic Brandywine Cottage in Downingtown, PA, for a personal tour of David Culp’s famous layered garden. You can look forward to seeing Galanthus (snow drops), other early spring ephemerals, emerging spring bulbs, and hellebores.  
David Culp is the creator of the gardens at Brandywine Cottage in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. He has been lecturing about gardens nationwide for more than 25 years. David is a former contributing editor to Horticulture magazine and served as chairman of the Mid-Atlantic Hardy Plant Society. David is vice president for Sunny Border Nurseries in Connecticut. He is the author of the book The Layered Garden, published by Timber Press.

Thursday, April 17
10:30 am – 12:00 pm

Members: $40 / Non-members: $45

Vancouver & Victoria
July 21-28, 2025   

Situated in the Canadian province of British Columbia, and nestled between the North Shore Mountains and the Strait of Georgia, the vibrant city of Vancouver is filled with glass skyscrapers, parks and forests that reflect the city’s blend of cosmopolitanism and natural beauty. Across the water, Victoria—the capital of British Columbia, full of Edwardian architecture—is a charming city and popular tourist destination, known as “The Garden City.”  
Explore both cities and learn about their British, European and Asian traditions, their First Nations heritage, and their natural beauty. Your tour will be hosted by Vince Marrocco, director of horticulture of the Morris Arboretum & Gardens, and designed and led by Destinations and Tours LLC. Highlights include visits to VanDusen Botanical Garden, Butchart Gardens, and whale watching in the Salish Sea.


New Zealand
January 10-28, 2026  

Take the trip of a lifetime by traveling to New Zealand with friends from the Morris Arboretum & Gardens. Leave winter behind and head to the Southern Hemisphere for long summer days to experience stunning gardens and some of nature’s most spectacular scenery. For 30 years, local landscape architect Richard Lyon has been leading groups to experience his native New Zealand. Highlights of the trip include more than 10 private garden visits, Auckland Botanical Gardens, Mount Cook, Doubtful Sound, and Mount Aspiring National Park, as well as opportunities to enjoy locally produced world-famous sauvignon blanc and pinot noir.  

 
To learn more about both trips, visit www.morrisarboretum.org/travel-abroad or contact Alison Thornton, Senior Associate Director of Development, at alisonth@upenn.edu or 215-247-5777 ext. 105.