University Era 1933-1974 University Era 1933-1974 Image Collections: University Era - 1933-1974 Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania Records   Arboretum Directors, 1933-1974 Dr. Rodney H. True, 1933 – 1939 Dr. Jacob R. Schramm, 1939 – 1954 Dr. John M. Fogg, Jr., 1954 – 1967 Dr. A. Orville Dahl, 1967 – 1970 Dr. Hui-Lin Li , 1971 – 1974   …

Four Generations Connect with the Morris Four generations of the Lisi family have a connection with Morris Arboretum & Gardens Walk along the path near the Two Lines sculpture at the top of the hill at Morris Arboretum & Gardens and you will see an interpretive sign with a photograph of a group of men in white lab coats. One of those men is a young University of Pennsylvania botany student, Alfred Lisi. Image The Compton kitchen as laboratory with Penn botany professor Dr. Harlan York (left), Alfred Lisi, and two students studying forest pathology. Lisi was a researcher studying mycology in 1933 when the photograph featuring him—his hair neatly combed, his gloved hands placing tools into an autoclave—was taken in the kitchen of the Compton mansion, which was then used as a lab. He met his future wife, Flora Fender, at Penn while she, too, was studying botany. They traveled together as students in the Morris Arboretum bus to collect plants, and their connection with the Morris continued for decades. In the 1950s, Alfred and Flora would travel to the Morris with their three young children from their home in Brewerytown. Louise and her sister Carol played under the weeping European beech, and their brother George reveled in running through the gardens. Louise, a retired pediatrician, remembers performing plays with her sister on the steps inside the Compton mansion. In 1999, the family celebrated Alfred and Flora’s 60th wedding anniversary with a picnic in the gardens. “He loved coming here,” Louise said of her father. “He would talk about how wonderful the Morris Arboretum was.” A FAMILY LEGACY Image Back row, left to right: Rebecca Froom, Alec Aman, Louise Lisi, and Elizabeth Froom (holding Louise's grandson Benji). Grandson Micah is in the stroller, with Burt Froom next to him. That love for the Morris continued with Louise and her husband, Rev. Burton “Burt” Froom, who often brought their daughters, Elizabeth and Rebecca. When their  three grandchildren were born, …

Morris Pond Morris Pond Image Morris Pond is one of the most peaceful spots in the gardens, a place where water, wildlife, and landscape come together in a beautiful balance. Stroll along the edge of the Pond and watch reflections shift with the light or pause on a nearby bench to enjoy the calm. This is a favorite destination for visitors who want a quiet moment surrounded by nature. Image An Update on the Swan Pond For many years, sister swans Flora and Fauna were beloved presences at our Swan Pond. Following the recent loss of Fauna, and after careful consideration and consultation with animal care professionals, we made the tough decision to rehome Flora to a place where she will receive dedicated care in a secure environment. This decision was made solely for Flora’s safety. In recent months, she had been increasingly targeted by Morris’s native wildlife, and with the loss of her companion, conditions no longer allowed us to ensure her well-being on site. Rehoming offers her a protected setting better suited to her long-term health and safety and reflects our ongoing commitment to responsible stewardship, animal welfare, and the health of our living collections. While no swans will be in our pond for the foreseeable future, it will remain welcoming to koi, wild ducks, and other native wildlife species. As part of this transition, the Swan Pond will be renamed the Morris Pond . We appreciate our visitors’ understanding as we make this necessary change.     Image History of the Morris Pond In 1905 John and Lydia Morris commissioned the creation of a large pond on their estate by damming the East Brook, which naturally flows through the Morris property. The pond was likely inspired by the 18th-century English Romantic landscape design movement that emphasized picturesque scenery and often featured a pond or lake paired with classical architecture. In keeping with that tradition, a white marble classical temple was constructed at the water’s edge the following …

For Penn Students & Staff For Penn Students & Staff Image At Morris Arboretum & Gardens, Penn students and staff have access to a campus resource for learning, exploration, and well-being. With free admission and easy access from campus, the Morris offers a natural extension of the Penn experience. Visit to explore the Garden at your own pace, bring a class or student group, or simply spend time outside. Whether for study, connection, or a break from campus, the Morris provides a place for Penn students and staff to engage with nature in meaningful ways. Image Morris Arboretum & Gardens is your place to escape, explore, and relax... Just 13 miles from the Penn Campus, the Morris is accessible by car, bike, and public transportation.  Admission is free with your PennCard. Student Leaders – Group Visits  Morris Arboretum & Gardens is the perfect place to bring your student group. We are happy to assist student groups with organizing transportation to experience all the beauty and tranquility the Morris has to offer.  To learn more, please contact us .  Guided Group Tours Our guided group tours are available for Penn faculty, staff, and/or students at a discounted rate. Learn about the history of the Morris, view unique and champion trees in the collection, and visit our signature gardens. Please visit Group Tours FAQ  for information on how to book a tour. Directions from Penn   Driving  Arriving by car is the easiest way to get to the Morris. If you don’t have access to your own vehicle, rideshare services regularly bring students and visitors to the Morris.  Biking  Bicycling to the Morris can be a great way to get out in nature, explore Philadelphia and get some exercise.  The 14-mile route to the Morris (see directions here ) is primarily bike and pedestrian only, with limited cycling on roads with vehicles.  Approximately 6 miles of the bike path is on a gravel path in the Wissahickon Park requiring bicycles with tires appropriate for …

Corporate Partnerships Corporate Partnerships Image Morris Arboretum & Gardens offers many ways to align your company’s brand with one of the region’s most renowned outdoor cultural destinations. Partnership opportunities include public programs, special events, exhibitions, educational programs, and more. See below for more information about our most popular opportunities. To include the Morris in your corporate social responsibility or marketing program, please contact Leslie Crane at 215-247-5777 ext.152 or lcrane@upenn.edu. Partnership Opportunities Image Moonlight & Roses Morris Arboretum & Gardens’ annual fundraising gala. Contact Kristen Casalenuovo at kcasal@upenn.edu for more information. Learn More Image ArBOOretum A month-long celebration of fall including special themed events, classes, and programming.  Image Holiday Garden Railway From the end of November through December, the miniature Garden Railway is lit up with thousands of twinkling lights. Includes special night-time ticketed events. Image Children's Education Support free admission and transportation for Title I school groups. This program is EITC eligible. Image Free Active-Duty Military Admission Program Supports free admission to all active-duty military and up to five family members. Thank you to our corporate supporters: $25,000 and up Image         $10,000 – $24,999 Image           Image         Image         Image                             $5,000 - $9,999 Ball Horticultural Company   Bank of America Corporation Bartlett Tree Experts Field Operations Penn Business Services Penn Division of Finance Penn Facilities & Real Estate Services Reed Smith Springer Capital, LLC The Haverford Trust Company The Hill at Whitemarsh Wawa WTW $2,500 - $4,999 Aqua, an Essential Utilities Company   Bergmann Associates Allied Universal CCI Consulting Harth Builders Health Advocate, Inc. Nina Schneider-Design, Inc. Obermayer Rebmann Maxwell & Hippel LLP Pennoni Associates, Inc. Robinson Anderson Summers …

Wedding Locations Wedding Locations Image Ceremony Locations Image Widener Lawn Set on a sweeping lawn with breathtaking views of the garden valley below, this ceremony site surrounds you with open sky and natural beauty, just steps from the reception tent for an effortless transition into celebration. Image Silktree Grove Tucked deep within the gardens, the Silktree Grove offers an intimate ceremony setting surrounded by lush greenery and quiet natural beauty. Image Baxter Memorial One of our most popular ceremony locations, the Baxter Memorial features a circular brick patio overlooking the Meadow Garden, with a gently sloping lawn that creates a natural amphitheater for guest seating. Image Rose Garden Available April – October for ceremony (April - September for cocktails) for an additional fee. A true gem of the Morris, the Rose Garden offers an exquisite setting for ceremonies and cocktail hours, where vibrant blooms, a refined garden design, and a fountain centerpiece create an unforgettable atmosphere. Perfect for intimate gatherings. Image Pennock Flower Walk Available May – Sept for ceremony and/or cocktail hour for an additional fee. Next to a romantic, gated garden, the Pennock Flower Walk offers a picturesque ceremony setting where couples stand before a beautiful pedestal fountain while guests gather on the lawn to witness the moment. Cocktail Hour Locations Image Out on a Limb Available April – November for an additional fee. Set high among the treetops, this striking walkway offers a cocktail experience unlike any other, with panoramic views of the forest from 50 feet above the ground. Image Widener Plaza Overlooking the Widener Lawn and set beside the historic stone carriage house, the Widener Plaza provides a lively and convenient cocktail setting just steps from the reception tent. Image Bronze Bell Set beside a striking bronze bell, this cocktail setting invites guests to gather along a shaded, wooded path that winds into the gardens, offering a …

Family Activities Family Activities Image Family Activities  There are a lot of fun things to do at Morris Arboretum for adults, kids and families. Check out some of our Family Fun Activities that are geared towards kids during your visit and engage the whole family. Download and print the activity PDFs and bring them with you the next time you come to visit Morris Arboretum, or open and view on your mobile device.  Tree Adventure & Treetop Canopy Walk  Generously supported by the Jane and Leonard Korman Family Foundation.  Image Get a bird’s eye view of the forest from 50 feet up, perched on a canopy walk high above ground level. Or scamper down onto the Squirrel Scramble, a huge hammock-like net where you can look down to the ground far below through the rope netting. Enter a Bird’s Nest and sit on a giant robin’s eggs, just waiting to hatch. It’s all part of Morris Arboretum’s Tree Adventure exhibit, connecting us to the natural world, and themed to teach us that we need trees and trees need us.  Designed by Metcalfe Architecture & Design, the exhibit is a fully accessible, fascinating learning experience for both children and adults. Learn more about the green elements of the design here.  Host your next party at Out on a Limb → Your Guide to Tree Adventure  Explore our Treetop Canopy Walk with interactive elements like a listening station which enables visitors to “hear” the sounds of nature from the tree canopy fun interpretative panels to help you explore more about nature and binoculars to help your peer into the treetops.  Make a Magical Creature for our Fairy Woods  Morris Arboretum is a place to learn about plants, but it’s also a place to let your imagination run wild. Come to the Arboretum with a big pocket or a tote bag and see what you find scattered around the grounds. An abundance of pine cones, acorns, bark, and lichen that can be turned into a fun art project for kids and adults. Can you make a magical creature, like a dragon or a fairy, to go in …