The Tree Canopy Conference is an annual symposium that brings together a variety of green industry professionals and others who work with and care about our region’s urban forest. Conference participants will further their knowledge, connect with peers and mentors in the industry, and gain continuing education units (CEUs) towards their credentials. 

This year's conference will include six presentations exploring stories of resilience in our urban forest. Our speakers will dive into topics such as climate-resilient trees, the restoration of ecological function in degraded waterways, local efforts to address tree canopy disparities, resilience in the face of shifting political and economic landscapes, and much more.

This month we’re reading Magnolia Flower, a folktale written by Zora Neale Hurston and adapted by Ibram X. Kendi. Join us as we journey with Magnolia and learn about her Black and indigenous roots through the land. Free with general admission.

From Saturday morning classics to modern animated icons, this Halloween we’re celebrating the colorful, quirky, and beloved world of cartoons! Think big eyes, wild expressions, and unforgettable personalities—heroes, sidekicks, villains, and everything in between. Whether you’re channeling the charm of vintage animation or the bold style of today’s hits, we want to see scarecrows that bring your favorite cartoon characters to life. 

Scarecrows will be displayed at the Morris October 1 – November 2. Visitors will vote for their favorite scarecrow on-site October 1 – 20 to determine the winners. The top three scarecrows win a cash prize: $300, $200, and $100.

Members: $25 • Non-members: $30 

Pickup Dates for Supplies: Supplies can be picked up Saturday, September 13 – Saturday, September 27. Pickup of the scarecrow frame, straw, burlap and twine occurs at the Morris entrance kiosk during public hours.

Scarecrow Drop-Off Date at the Morris: Scarecrows can be dropped off Sunday, September 28 from 11 am – 2 pm at Bloomfield Farm, directly across from the entrance to the Morris.

Join an experienced Garden Educator in discovering and identifying the Mid-Atlantic oaks around us and in the Morris’s extensive collection. Every region of our planet where oaks are present has a unique profile of oaks that populate that area. Learn how to differentiate our local oaks, including the bur oak, white oak, red oak, black oak, and chestnut oak. Explore the acorn variety of different trees and enjoy the glorious colors of autumn. As the environmentalist and author Doug Tallamy has said, the majestic oak trees are critical to our planet because they provide more food and habitat for our native wildlife than any other tree by far.

Free with general admission.