Morris Arboretum & Gardens

Caring for the campus landscape with an ecological mindset

The Ecological Landscape Stewardship Plan, developed in 2018, offers a framework for the Division of Facilities and Real Estate Services to design, maintain, and celebrate the beauty of the campus landscape with an emphasis on its role as a balanced ecological system.

Katherine Unger Baillie

Update of a local tree field guide offers ‘antidote for plant blindness’

A new edition of “Philadelphia Trees,” coauthored by former Morris Arboretum director Paul W. Meyer, Catriona Bull Briger, and Edward Sibley Barnard offers tips for identifying tree species and highlights some of the most notable trees in the region, including many on Penn’s campus.

Katherine Unger Baillie

Goodbye to an iconic tree

More than a century old, the American elm located in the heart of the Quadrangle residences has been ailing and is due to be removed the week of July 25. The site will be replanted at a later date with three native white oaks.

Katherine Unger Baillie



In the News


Philadelphia Inquirer

Morris Arboretum’s Garden Railway gets bigger than ever and the train now goes to (mini) Brooklyn

The Morris Arboretum is celebrating 90 years with a reopened “nationwide” Garden Railway, with remarks from Bill Cullina.

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Philadelphia Inquirer

Hard freeze early Sunday and Monday in the Philly region could kill some ambitious blooms and blossoms

Bill Cullina of the Morris Arboretum says that magnolias and cherry blossoms may be vulnerable to cold Philadelphia temperatures, though most plants will likely be fine.

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Philadelphia Inquirer

‘It’s go time for spring’: Blossoms, buds, and temperatures are popping

Bill Cullina, executive director of the Morris Arboretum, talked about the transition from winter to spring. “I would say within the next couple of weeks it’s going to be safe to plant cold vegetables, things like onions and cabbage,” he said. “Get out there and enjoy it.”

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Philadelphia Inquirer

Rain douses another Philly rush hour, but it might just rescue the foliage show

Bill Cullina of the Morris Arboretum spoke about the meteorological conditions that impact fall foliage.

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KYW Newsradio (Philadelphia)

Morris Arboretum celebrates Cherry Blossom Days: ‘Spring is definitely in the air’

Michelle Connors of the Morris Arboretum spoke about last weekend’s Cherry Blossom Days, which featured Taiko drumming and a Japanese tea ceremony.

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Philadelphia Inquirer

Head of Morris Arboretum retiring after more than 42 years, a rare tenure in botanical world

Paul Meyer was profiled for his 42-year career at the Morris Arboretum, which was transformed under his leadership. Still, he remains modest. “I played a role, but it’s a team of people. ‘We stand on the shoulders of giants,’” said Meyer. “That’s been my philosophy.”

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