Tyler Arboretum – Day Trip
October 31, 2009 by Don
Filed under Gardens, Kids, Philadelphia
Tyler Arboretum, in Delaware County, PA is a place where history, horticulture, and natural habitats come together in 650-acre’s of natural beauty.
I have the good fortune of getting to Tyler many times during the year as my parents volunteer – most frequently in the butterfly house. My kids have an amazing time exploring the grounds, playing in the treehouse exhibits and catching butterflies (much to their grandparent’s enjoyment)
The treehouses have become a huge family favorite and couple great education with outstanding photo ops!
Click here for the Tyler Web site:
Video of Tyler:
History of Tyler:
In 1681, William Penn signed a “lease and release” agreement with Thomas Minshall, an English Quaker, for property in Pennsylvania that contained the site now occupied by the Arboretum.
Between 1681 and 1944, the property was home to eight generations of the same Minshall/Painter/Tyler family. In 1944, Laura Tyler, a direct descendant of Thomas Minshall, bequeathed the property to a board of Trustees that had been established to direct and oversee the land as an arboretum.
The Arboretum itself began as the private collection of two brothers, Jacob and Minshall Painter. The brothers were fascinated by the popular 19th century study of natural history. During their lifetimes, they managed to amass large collections of dried plants, rocks, and other specimens.
In 1825, the brothers set aside some of their land to begin the systematic planting of more than 1,000 varieties of trees and shrubs. More than 20 of the original Painter Plants still survive, including the Giant Sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum), a state champion and the majestic symbol of Tyler Arboretum.
