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Morris Arboretum & Gardens

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

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.”

Five events to watch for in March
Woman dancing on floor of stage A performer dances on stage. (Photo courtesy: The Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts)

Five events to watch for in March

Happening around campus this March: the world premiere of ‘Vessels’ at the Annenberg Center, a lecture on trees from China, and a visit to Kelly Writers House from reporter Emily Jane Fox.
The flower that blooms in the winter
Rubin red variety of witchhazels

The Hamamelis × intermedia variety of witchhazels, also known as Rubin. (Photo courtesy: Morris Arboretum)

The flower that blooms in the winter

The witchhazel is a species of flower that blooms in cold temperatures and lives around campus, and in abundance at the Morris Arboretum. The Arboretum’s Anthony Aiello talks the ins and outs of the strange species.
Keeping campus trees—all 6,800 of them—healthy and vibrant
Looking down on campus through a variety of colorful treetops, people walk by holding umbrellas

The changing foliage of Penn’s trees make even a gray and rainy day look bright. Campus staff take a proactive approach to maintaining the trees’ health.

Keeping campus trees—all 6,800 of them—healthy and vibrant

Caring for the trees on Penn’s campus—an official arboretum since last year—is no small undertaking. Staff from Facilities and Real Estate Services and the Morris Arboretum lead the way in ensuring that the University’s trees remain safe, vibrant, diverse, and beautiful.

Katherine Unger Baillie

Scarecrows star at Arboretum challenge
Scarecrow-Holding-Vote-Sign-In-Garden Wilhelmina McDaniel and Maureen Hicks made this Susan B. Anthony scarecrow. McDaniel says the duo took care to make sure she resembled the historic figure while still looking like a scarecrow and not a mannequin.

Scarecrows star at Arboretum challenge

Queen Elizabeth II, Mr. Rogers, Queen Elsa, and Jesus Christ make appearances in the Morris Arboretum's annual Scarecrow Walk, which runs through October 31st.