This summer, the Morris Arboretum & Gardens of the University of Pennsylvania is giving Philly families another reason to step into nature. Vince Marrocco, Director of Horticulture, joined ECO WURD to share how the Arboretum is blending fun, education, and green space for a Greener, Safer Philadelphia.
On May 21, the Arboretum opened its Morris Train Station, a new addition to the beloved Garden Railway, a miniature train world featuring historic Philly landmarks crafted from plant materials. We’re talking City Hall made of walnut and the Art Museum sculpted from maple twigs. It’s Philly but on tracks and on a smaller, greener scale.
But this isn’t just about trains. This year’s theme is all about pollinators. The bees, wasps, and butterflies that keep our food system alive. The garden will feature larger than life wooden sculptures of pollinators like the tiny wasp that pollinates the vanilla bean. It’s part art, part science, and all about awareness. “Without pollinators, we don’t eat,” said Marrocco. “They’re disappearing because of lost habitats, especially in urban areas.”
To bring awareness to this crisis, the Arboretum is also planting native flower meadows and hosting community art exhibits, like painting fence post butterflies to place around the garden. Plus, there are volunteer programs, gardening classes, and events that invite all Philadelphians to connect, learn, and grow.
This space is not just for Penn students. It’s for the community. “We want everyone to feel like they belong,” Marrocco added. So if you’re looking for a safe, fun, and green space to visit with the fam this summer, the Morris Arboretum might just be your new favorite spot.
Learn more: www.morrisarboretum.org
Follow ECO WURD for more Greener, Safer Philly conversations every Friday on 900AM WURD.