Penn students can access transportation to Morris Arboretum & Gardens for free on select dates this fall.
The arboretum, which offers free admission to Penn Card holders year-round, is hosting a variety of themed autumnal programming. Students can also sign up for free for Campus Express’ direct bus transportation on scheduled weekend trips through December.
Located in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood, Morris Arboretum & Gardens is Pennsylvania’s official arboretum. It has dubbed October “ArBOOretum Month,” a name accompanied by similarly festive programming.
The arboretum’s fall display features the Morris Pumpkin Cottage and includes the 19th annual Scarecrow Walk. This year, the Scarecrow Walk honors the nation’s 250th birthday through its theme, “From 1776 to the Future: Celebrating the 70s Across Time.” The featured scarecrows are all inspired by decades ending in “70” and will remain on display throughout the month.
“The scarecrows are spread throughout the garden, so you come in and you get a nice look at the beauty of the garden,” Morris Arboretum and Gardens Communications Coordinator Mellany Armstrong said in an interview.
Other special programming featured specific species of animals.
The arboretum displayed live birds of prey on Oct. 9, which allowed participants to learn about birds and gain “respect for the power and the beauty of the natural world,” according to Armstrong.
On Oct. 28, during the internationally recognized Bat Week, the arboretum will sell bat houses that can be used in backyards to help with bat conservation.
The arboretum’s popular rose garden and other permanent arrangements will also remain on display throughout the season.
College junior Miya Moriuchi recalled visits to Morris Arboretum as a kid growing up in the Philadelphia area. She highlighted that it is home to “beautiful nature and flowers” and offers a chance to “be outside the whole time.”
“A lot of Penn students stay very close to the campus and don’t really go and explore and don’t see what the city has to offer, but there’s actually a lot of outdoor opportunities,” she added.
Wharton Senior Aarav Jilka reflected on the fall programming, saying that “it’s my last year, and I want to take advantage of all Penn’s resources.”
Armstrong similarly emphasized that the arboretum is an accessible opportunity close to campus.
“A lot of people don’t realize we’re in the city,” she said. “It is just a wonderful place to relax and enjoy yourself and get away from the bustle of your schoolwork.”
