Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens

Wildlife Habitats to Attract Backyard Birds
2025-02-20 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | PA
Create it and they will come! Get tips on creating a backyard habitat that benefits wildlife.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20
Wildlife Habitats to Attract Backyard Birds
7:00–8:30 PM
Pat Sutton, Educator, Naturalist, and Author
Create it and they will come! Pat Sutton will share accounts of the diverse wildlife attracted to the South Jersey wildscape she and her husband have nurtured for over 30 years. They have tallied over 212 bird species and 78 butterfly species in their tiny one-half-acre wildlife oasis. How’d they do it? By questioning each practice as to whether it would help or harm wildlife. Get tips on creating a backyard habitat that benefits wildlife.
Free of charge | Virtual event (a Zoom link will be emailed to participants prior to lecture date)
This virtual lecture is a part of our Third Thursday Lecture series

Wool Art Painting Workshop
2025-02-22 13:00 - 15:30 | Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens, 631 Berwyn Baptist Road, Devon, PA, 19333, United States
Discover the artist within through the process of painting with wool and create a unique, handmade work of art.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22
Wool Art Painting Workshop
1:00 – 3:30 PM
Maria Gio, Artist and Owner of Mara Effects—Wool Art
CLASS THEME: Impressionists
Discover the artist within through the process of painting with wool and create a unique, handmade work of art. Wool watercolor is an exceptional, meditative art where the piece is created by layering dry wool onto fabric (not needle felting). Under the weight of glass these complex layers of wool appear vibrant and rich with 3D effects.
Choosing from sample designs, you’ll go step by step through the process, finishing with your own artwork ready to hang.
All materials provided—size is 8×10,” framed under glass. Perfect for any skill level.
Members: $75 | Non-Members: $85

Views of the Forest Through the Lens of Music Concert (2/23)
2025-02-23 14:30 - 15:30 | Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens, 631 Berwyn Baptist Road, Devon, PA, 19333, United States
Immerse yourself in classical music with the forest as a visual inspiration

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23
Views of the Forest Through the Lens of Music
2:30 – 3:30 PM
Mimi Stillman (flute) and Gabriel Globus-Hoenich (percussion) – members of Dolce Suono Ensemble
Join us for a concert that will immerse you in classical music with the forest as a visual inspiration. A musician meet-and-greet will follow.
This concert is a collaboration between Allegro Music Consultants and Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens. Click here to view the three-part chamber music series.
Members: $30 | Non-Members: $35

Scientific Illustration Workshop (3/1)
2025-03-01 10:00 - 12:00 | Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens, 631 Berwyn Baptist Road, Devon, PA, 19333, United States
Combine your love of art and the natural world to create scientific illustrations!

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1
Scientific Illustration Workshop
10:00 AM–12:00 PM
Marissa Jacobs, Educator and Founder of The Art of Ecology
Combine your love of art and the natural world to create scientific illustrations! Learn more about scientific illustration from the role of composition to the in-depth process of making and documenting observations. Review the scientific method as it applies to artists, and how being able to make detailed observations for our artistic creation can lead us to notice the little things around us.
All materials provided. No prior artistic or scientific experience is required.
Members: $45 | Non-Members: $55
We will be holding another Scientific Illustration Workshop on Feb 1 – click here to register.

Branching Out: A Conversation about the Power of Trees, Forest Ecology, and our Community Health for the Commonwealth
2025-03-08 17:00 - 18:30 | Penn State Great Valley Conference Center Building – Musser Auditorium, 30 Swedesford Rd, Malvern, Pennsylvania, 19355, United States
Join us for an engaging evening where we discuss the power of trees to save our lives and provide for our future!

For her entire professional life, renowned ecologist Dr. Nalini Nadkarni has pioneered climbing techniques to study “what grows back” after ecological disturbances occur in the rainforest canopy. Dr. Nadkarni – also known as “Queen of the Forest Canopy” – was appointed National Geographic Explorer at Large in 2023.

Dr. Nadkarni will be joined in conversation by Dr. Casey Sclar, Director of the Commonwealth Arboreta Network and HO Smith Endowed Director for the Arboretum at Penn State, and Thomas A. Smarr, Jr., Executive Director of Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens. This sets the stage for a dynamic conversation that follows where Dr. Sclar will leverage attendees and panel to envision the future of Penn State’s Commonwealth Arboreta Network and its critical role for Pennsylvania’s public gardens, our horticulture industry, and State/Federal partners in expanding our tree canopies for RESILIENCE in Penn’s Woods.

Proponents, stakeholders, legislators and staff, industry professionals representing nursery, garden, and landscape enterprises, as well as those who value trees for many reasons, are encouraged to attend! NOTE: this event will be held at Penn State Great Valley Conference Center Building – Musser Auditorium

Sketching Winter Trees and Shrubs
2025-03-15 10:00 - 15:30 | Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens, 631 Berwyn Baptist Road, Devon, PA, 19333, United States
TBD

SATURDAY, MARCH 15
Sketching Winter Trees and Shrubs
10:00 AM–3:30 PM
Margaret Saylor, Botanical Artist and Illustrator
Get up-close with winter trees and shrubs, many without their signature leaves. From the textured surfaces of branches to the delicate forms of emerging buds and the resilient sheen of evergreen leaves, you’ll learn techniques to capture the intricate details to bring these unique seasonal features to life on paper. Explore graphite, Micron pen, and watercolor as mediums with a small, manageable sketchbook.
All levels welcome; some drawing experience helpful but not necessary. Bring your lunch. Suggested materials list available.
Members: $100 | Non-Members: $115

Evergreen Exploration (All Ages)
2025-03-16 10:30 - 11:30 | Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens, 631 Berwyn Baptist Road, Devon, PA, 19333, United States
There’s so much green in our gardens during the winter!

SUNDAY, MARCH 16
Evergreen Exploration (All Ages)
10:30–11:30 AM
Amy Mawby, Education Manager, Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens
There’s so much green in our gardens during the winter! Explore the evergreen plants at Jenkins by learning their names and looking closely at their unique leaves. Our outdoor green scavenger hunt will end with an indoor craft.
All ages welcome; most suitable for ages 2+. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required for children only.
Members: $10 | Non-Members: $15

Views of the Forest Through the Lens of Music Concert (3/16)
2025-03-16 14:30 - 15:30 | Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens, 631 Berwyn Baptist Road, Devon, PA, 19333, United States
Immerse yourself in classical music with the forest as a visual inspiration

SUNDAY, MARCH 16
Views of the Forest Through the Lens of Music
2:30 – 3:30 PM
Mei Ching Huang (violin) and Hae Yi Ni (cello) – members of The Philadelphia Orchestra
Join us for a concert that will immerse you in classical music with the forest as a visual inspiration. A musician meet-and-greet will follow.
This concert is a collaboration between Allegro Music Consultants and Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens. Click here to view the three-part chamber music series.
Members: $30 | Non-Members: $35

Photo credit: Jessica Griffin | Photo credit: Pete Checchia

Pennsylvania's Big Trees
2025-03-20 19:00 - 20:30 | PA
Explore how the Big Tree Register works and discover some of Pennsylvania’s most impressive specimens.

THURSDAY, MARCH 20
Pennsylvania’s Big Trees
7:00–8:30 PM
Aaron Greenberg, State Coordinator, Pennsylvania Champion Tree Program
The Pennsylvania Big Tree Register is a list of all of the largest trees of each species in the state. It has nearly 2,000 specimens and is growing all the time. Explore how the Big Tree Register works and discover some of Pennsylvania’s most impressive specimens. Learn why big trees are so important, including their ecological and cultural value to our landscapes.
Free of charge | Virtual event (a Zoom link will be emailed to participants prior to lecture date)
This virtual lecture is a part of our Third Thursday Lecture series

Fresh to Dry Wreaths
2025-03-22 13:00 - 15:00 | Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens, 631 Berwyn Baptist Road, Devon, PA, 19333, United States
Create a wreath of fragrant blooms and foliage that dry well over time.

SATURDAY, MARCH 22
Fresh to Dry Wreaths
1:00–3:00 PM
Peicha Chang, Floral Designer
Create a wreath of fragrant blooms and foliage! Using a variety of dried materials and fresh florals that dry well over time, you will design a long-lasting wreath that can be enjoyed in your home beyond the spring season.
All materials provided—bring your creativity!
Members: $45 | Non-Members: $55

Photo from www.waitrosegarden.com

NEW DATE - Opening Reception: Visitors’ Photography Exhibition
2025-03-23 14:00 - 16:00 | Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens, 631 Berwyn Baptist Road, Devon, PA, 19333, United States
14th Annual Visitors’ Photography ExhibitionOn View: January 11 – March 23, 2025Reception: Sunday, March 23, 2025 from 2 – 4 PMThis event was originally scheduled for January 19 but was rescheduled due to inclement weather. We hope you can celebrate the close of this exhibition with us during our rescheduled reception on March 23 from 2 – 4 PM! See stunning photographs of Jenkins and hear from the exhibition judges. The reception is free and open to all; registration is not required.

About the Exhibition:Join us to see Jenkins through our visitors’ eyes! This collection of photography is a celebration of the relationship between the gardens and the people who enjoy them. Each visitor has a unique experience in the gardens, perspective of the landscape, and relationship with Jenkins. These photographs capture many of those intimate moments between Jenkins and its visitors.⁠

Gemstone Bracelets: Connect with Nature
2025-03-29 10:30 - 12:00 | Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens, 631 Berwyn Baptist Road, Devon, PA, 19333, United States
Tap into your creativity as you craft a one-of-a-kind gemstone bracelet, symbolizing the innate connection we share with the natural world.

SATURDAY, MARCH 29
Gemstone Bracelets: Connect with Nature
10:30 AM–12:00 PM
Jessica O’Connell, Owner of Beads of a Feather
Shake off the past seasons and embrace the fertile soil awakening around you! Reconnect with nature through calming guided meditation and gentle live music. Tap into your creativity as you craft a one-of-a-kind gemstone bracelet, symbolizing the nourishment, guidance, and innate connection we share with the natural world. This workshop will be a reminder that you are not apart from nature, but truly a part of it.
All materials provided. Participants will make one bracelet. Suitable for adults and teens.
Members: $40 | Non-Members: $50

Mindful Yoga (3/31 – 5/5)
2025-03-31 18:00 - 19:15 | Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens, 631 Berwyn Baptist Road, Devon, PA, 19333, United States
Take time out of your busy schedule to practice Mindful Yoga

Mindful Yoga
MONDAYS | 6-week series: 3/31–5/5
6:00 – 7:15 PM
Janet Muti, Yoga Instructor
Our Mindful Yoga practice consists of gentle stretching and strengthening exercises done slowly with awareness of breath and sensations that arise as we move from pose to pose.
All levels welcome; modifications and variations will be offered. Bring yoga blocks and straps to use with modifications.
This is a HYBRID series—virtual and indoor in-person options.
Members: $72/6-week series
Non-Members: $102/6-week series

Mindful Yoga (4/3 – 5/8)
2025-04-03 09:30 - 10:45 | PA
Take time out of your busy schedule to practice Mindful Yoga

Mindful Yoga
THURSDAYS | 6-week series: 4/3 – 5/8
9:30 – 10:45 AM
Janet Muti, Yoga Instructor
Our Mindful Yoga practice consists of gentle stretching and strengthening exercises done slowly with awareness of breath and sensations that arise as we move from pose to pose.
All levels welcome; modifications and variations will be offered. Have yoga blocks and straps to use with modifications.
Our Thursday Morning Mindful Yoga classes will be held virtually.
Members: $72/6-week series
Non-Members: $102/6-week series

Backyard Wilderness: A Film Screening and Panel Discussion
2025-04-03 19:00 - 20:30 | Penn State Great Valley Conference Center Building – Musser Auditorium, 30 Swedesford Rd, Malvern, Pennsylvania, 19355, United States
Backyard Wilderness will surprise and entertain you with the unexpected wonders of nature that are right under our noses – in our own backyards. Spanning a seasonal year around a suburban home, the film displays a stunning array of unique wildlife images and behavior and reminds us that Wi-Fi is not the only connection that matters. Sometimes in ordinary places, you can uncover extraordinary things that can transform you forever – you just need to step outside. Click here to view the trailer.

A panel discussion on the importance of native plants in maintaining watershed health, building climate resilience, and creating habitat for birds and other wildlife will follow the film.

Presented in partnership with Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens, Audubon Mid-Atlantic/John James Audubon Center, and Valley Forge Park Alliance.NOTE: this event will be held at Penn State Great Valley Conference Center Building – Musser Auditorium

Tai Chi (4/9 - 4/30)
2025-04-09 09:30 - 10:30 | Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens, 631 Berwyn Baptist Road, Devon, PA, 19333, United States
Join us for a 4-week outdoor Tai Chi series

WEDNESDAYS SERIES
Tai Chi
9:30–10:30 AM
4-week series: 4/9 – 4/30
Aimée Alegría Barry, Centaur Tai Chi
Tai Chi, a series of postures done slowly, promotes balance, flexibility, and strength. Learn the Tai Chi form, as well as the yin and yang principles that underlie this martial art. Tai Chi is known as a soft martial art because it emphasizes a calm mind and relaxed body.
All levels welcome. Classes will be held outdoors with an indoor option for inclement weather.
Members: $48/4-week series
Non-Members: $68/4-week series

Golf Cart Garden Tours
2025-04-09 11:00 - 11:45, 2025-04-16 11:00 - 11:45, 2025-04-23 11:00 - 11:45 | Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens, 631 Berwyn Baptist Road, Devon, PA, 19333, United States
Explore Jenkins on wheels with a golf cart tour

Wednesday Walkabouts
2025-04-09 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-04-16 13:00 - 14:00 | Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens, 631 Berwyn Baptist Road, Devon, PA, 19333, United States
Get outside and discover Jenkins with us!

Mindfulness Meditation Walk (4/12)
2025-04-12 09:15 - 10:30 | Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens, 631 Berwyn Baptist Road, Devon, PA, 19333, United States
Deepen your appreciation for nature with seasonal meditation classes.

SATURDAY, APRIL 12
Mindfulness Meditation Walk
9:15 – 10:30 AM
Nadine Kaylor, Mindfulness Meditation Teacher & Mentor
Deepen your appreciation for nature with seasonal meditation classes. Walk mindfully through the gardens, notice changes within the seasons, and connect with the natural world. Each class offers a framework based in mindfulness meditation to reduce stress and anxiety, increase focus and attention, and expand your practice. All levels welcome, no prior meditation experience needed.
Classes will be held outdoors with indoor or covered options available for inclement weather. Please dress appropriately with sturdy footwear.
Members: $12/class | Non-Members: $18/class
Mindfulness Meditation Walks will be held on Feb 8, Apr 12, and Jun 14.

Good Morning, Garden (All Ages)
2025-04-12 10:00 - 11:00 | Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens, 631 Berwyn Baptist Road, Devon, PA, 19333, United States
Discover what spring has sprung!

SATURDAY, APRIL 12
Good Morning, Garden (All Ages)
10:00–11:00 AM
Amy Mawby, Education Manager, Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens
Let’s see what’s waking up in the garden this spring! Go on a scavenger hunt as we discover the flora and fauna of Woodland Walk and beyond. Our morning exploration will end with a seasonally inspired activity.
All ages welcome; most suitable for ages 2+. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required for children only.
Members: $10 | Non-Members: $15

Introduction to Birding
2025-04-12 13:00 - 15:00 | Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens, 631 Berwyn Baptist Road, Devon, PA, 19333, United States
Gain a foundational knowledge of and basic skills in birding, focusing on the birds found in and around Philadelphia.

SATURDAY, APRIL 12
Introduction to Birding
1:00-3:00 PM
Troy Bynum, Birder and Owner of TB Wildlife Photography LLC
Gain a foundational knowledge of and basic skills in birding, focusing on the birds found in and around Philadelphia. Learn bird identification techniques, key characteristics of local species, and effective birdwatching methods. Participants will feel confident in identifying common birds by the end of this indoor program.
Members: $30 | Non-Members: $40

Backyard Bounty: Foraging at Home
2025-04-17 19:00 - 20:30 | PA
Discover many wild foods that grow locally in the eastern United States, the nutritive benefits they have, and how to be ethical foragers.

THURSDAY, APRIL 17
Backyard Bounty: Foraging at Home
7:00–8:30 PM
Marissa Jacobs, Trained Forager, Certified Herbalist, and Founder of The Art of Ecology
Are you interested in eating seasonally, and creating delicious meals with whole, sustainably sourced ingredients? Look no further than your backyard! Discover the many wild foods that grow locally in the eastern United States, the nutritive benefits they have, and how to be ethical foragers. Feel more confident in your plant identification skills and discover some fun recipes to try out using these wild foods. Note: this lecture will not go into depth about mushrooms and fungi.
Free of charge | Virtual event (a Zoom link will be emailed to participants prior to lecture date)
This virtual lecture is a part of our Third Thursday Lecture series

Photo Walk
2025-04-19 09:00 - 11:00 | Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens, 631 Berwyn Baptist Road, Devon, PA, 19333, United States
Join us to capture the season!

SATURDAY, APRIL 19
Photo Walks
9:00–11:00 AM
Laura Ducceschi, Fine Art Photographer
Capture the season while learning about photography! An award-winning photographer will be your mentor and guide for a small group session. Stroll the gardens and photograph what inspires you while learning about light, background, and composition on the spot.
Participants can use any kind of camera—from smartphones to DSLRs. Be sure to have a fully charged battery and storage space to shoot freely.
Members: $20/walk | Non-Members: $30/walk
Photo Walks are scheduled for Saturdays, April 19, May 17, and June 21

Delaware Valley Daffodil Society Show
2025-04-19 13:00 - 16:00 | Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens, 631 Berwyn Baptist Road, Devon, PA, 19333, United States
If you love springtime and daffodils, this is an opportunity to see many cultivars available in the marketplace, learn more about the 13 different daffodil divisions, daffodil culture, resistance to pests in the garden, naturalizing, landscape planting, and what constitutes a good garden flower or an excellent show flower. There will be an educational exhibit to further expand your knowledge. Members of Delaware Valley Daffodil Society will be available to help answer any questions you may have about growing daffodils.The Daffodil Show will be on display from 1 – 4 PM on April 19 and 9 AM – 3 PM on April 20.

Delaware Valley Daffodil Society Show
2025-04-20 09:00 - 15:00 | Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens, 631 Berwyn Baptist Road, Devon, PA, 19333, United States
If you love springtime and daffodils, this is an opportunity to see many cultivars available in the marketplace, learn more about the 13 different daffodil divisions, daffodil culture, resistance to pests in the garden, naturalizing, landscape planting, and what constitutes a good garden flower or an excellent show flower. There will be an educational exhibit to further expand your knowledge. Members of Delaware Valley Daffodil Society will be available to help answer any questions you may have about growing daffodils.

Bird Walk (4/21)
2025-04-21 07:45 - 08:45 | Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens, 631 Berwyn Baptist Road, Devon, PA, 19333, United States
Come birding with Bonnie!

MONDAY, APRIL 21
Bird Walk
7:45 – 8:45 AM
Bonnie Witmer, Birder and Visitor Services Associate, Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens
Search for spring migratory birds, and explore various habitats including woodland, pond edge, and stream-side paths. Discover the GISS method to identify our feathered friends by recognizing the general impression, size, and shape of birds. Participants will learn to use their eyes, ears, and binoculars to find birds and other wildlife.
Bring binoculars if you have them. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes with good traction. Rain or shine.
Free of charge

Jenkins Juniors (4/22 – 5/13)
2025-04-22 10:00 - 11:00 | Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens, 631 Berwyn Baptist Road, Devon, PA, 19333, United States
Join us for 4 weeks of outdoor fun!TUESDAYS, 4-WEEK SERIES Jenkins Juniors (Ages 2–5) 4/22–5/13 • 10:00–11:00 AM Amy Mawby, Education Manager, Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens Let’s go exploring—get your little ones outside this spring! Each class will include a story, scenic strolls, and a creative craft. Our activities will encourage children to embrace their sense of wonder, and adults to rekindle theirs. Each week will have a different theme so join us for one or both series. Suitable for ages 2–5. Children must be walking (no strollers) and must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required for children only. Rain or shine; indoor space for inclement weather. Members: $50/series | Non-Members: $60/series Jenkins Juniors will also be held on 5/20–6/10. Click here to register.
