The seasons and stages of Awbury’s urban forest
The last of the leaves are falling and a new season is quickly approaching. The trees throughout Awbury Arboretum and the Greater Philadelphia area take on a new look. However, these dormant trees are not to be ignored until the spring.
Awbury embraces the landscape as an urban forest and tends to the trees in all seasons and stages of their lives. New trees are planted every fall and spring while older trees are cared for until their ultimate need for removal. There is a long road to this point which may cross generations of caretakers and does not end at the tree’s removal.
Trees which are planted in the past three to five years are monitored for proper watering as they establish their root systems. As they grow, their branches are systematically pruned to ensure the trees develop healthy form. Throughout the tree’s lifetime, caretakers monitor for diseases and other challenges like changes in the surrounding environment. Everything from a pedestrian path to a new building can influence the tree’s health.
As trees age they are monitored for declines in their vitality and safety. This includes dead branches and hollows forming in the trunks. When a tree is deemed no longer safe, it is scheduled for removal. This does not mean it no longer has a role to play.
Some tree trunks may be left standing with just the branches removed. This maintains safety while leaving the trunks for wildlife habitat. Birds like owls and flickers like to nest in hollows of tree trunks. Awbury finds many other uses for the trees as well.
One recent addition is the large climbing log pile in AdventureWoods Nature Playground, constructed from a fallen Red Oak. Many tree trunks become lumber in a partnership with Fuugs Woodworking, while their branches may simply line paths. Awbury embraces the tree’s many uses as fundraisers for the continual care of our existing tree collection.
You can participate in the care of the Arboretum’s collection throughout the year as well! Supporters of Awbury can join volunteer planting days in the spring and purchase firewood early in the fall. Support Awbury’s mission, come out December 8th for the Holiday Open House & Greens Sale (12pm – 4pm) at the Cope House. In addition to greenery, there’s also arts, crafts, and community. It’s a full day of festive cheer for you and your family that helps nurture all the trees within the Arboretum.
2024 Calendar Alert!
Great opportunities to explore Awbury Arboretum. Click on the links to register, get tickets or more info.
Herbal Aid Classess
Saturdays, 11am-2PM
Learn to tend and care for 40+ therapeutic plants from a range of cross-cultural traditions in the “Many Hands” community apothecary garden beds. ($)
Free Wellness Walks
– Early birds enjoy guided morning nature walks every Monday and Thursday (7am -8am) with Awbury’s community wellness group. About 2.5 miles, at a moderate pace, through gardens, woodlands, and meadows.
– Late morning walks every Friday and Saturday (11am – 12pm), led by We Walk PHL.
The Cope House Art Gallery
Open Tuesday through Thursday (10am – 4pm) and weekends (10am – 2pm), Cope House is a beautiful, historic setting to experience specially-curated local art for every season. Now through December 30th, the artist Ann Swoyer’s exhibit, “Closer to Beyond,” features random images from modern experience that facilitate mediation, contemplation, and self-exploration.
VISIT AWBURY
Main Entrance: One Awbury Road
Farm & Education Center: 6336 Ardleigh St
AdventureWoods: 6060 Ardleigh St
The Arboretum’s beautiful grounds are open FREE to the public from dawn to dusk, 365 days a year. Maps available for self-guided tours at the main office, located in the Francis Cope House (Tues – Thurs, 10AM – 4PM or by appointment). Dogs on leash welcome — except not in the garden beds, please. Also available as a unique event venue. Learn more at awbury.org; follow on Facebook and Instagram.
This article has been updated since it was first published November 14, 2020
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