Plymouth Friends Arboretum 

a joint project of Plymouth Friends Meeting and Plymouth Friends School

Useful Links:  USDA Plants  |  Trees & Shrubs of PA |  Invasive plants of PA

Spread across 10 acres of the historic Friends (Quaker) Meeting House and School grounds, the proposed Plymouth Friends Arboretum holds a remarkably diverse collection of species. Among the significant trees  are an historic white oak, a state-recognized post oak, and numerous memorial and tribute trees. There are many mature trees as well as many recently planted trees – and there are more to come. 

Students at Plymouth Meeting Friends School love the trees. Some trees are known to the students by their special names. Some were planted by the 4th, 5th, or 6th grade classes. Some provide subjects for study – in science, ecology, math, history, art, music, or languages. Some provide a place to play. Some simply provide a shady spot to sit, breathe fresh air, and wonder.

Why an Arboretum?
An arboretum is more than just a collection of trees. The Plymouth Friends Arboretum will be known as a place that enhances the joy, understanding, and appreciation of the natural world shared by our community.
 
Becoming accredited as a Level 1 arboretum will help to protect and preserve the remarkable biological diversity on Plymouth Meeting Friends and School property.
 
An arboretum provides hands-on opportunities for learning where children come to understand the biological, social, and historic importance of trees.
 
This project will help us access resources to properly identify, map, measure, and follow the growth of our trees for their sustained management and protection so that the School and the Meeting community can continue to enjoy them. 

Plans for the work ahead
There is much to do to bring an arboretum to life. Our current focus:
 
•  Develop a plan to define the arboretum purpose, audience, types of plants, maintenance, and operation.
 
•  Map and label at least 25 species of trees or woody plants, available for public access.
 
•  Create guidelines for tree species collections to be featured based on present flora and changing climate conditions.
 
•  Organize staff & volunteers to work the arboretum plan.
 
• Plan public outreach with at least one public event or educational program per year.
 
•  Acquire and plant many more trees and shrubs according to the arboretum and plan and species guidelines.
 
•  Integrate the arboretum property and species into the curriculum.
 
• Form a the Friends of the Arboretum group.
 
• Organize “work days” to assist in major tree plantings and maintenance.