Awbury Arboretum

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Awbury Arboretum is a 55-acre public park located in the Germantown neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.


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Summary

The arboretum was founded in 1916 by the Cope family as a private estate and was opened to the public in 1918. The arboretum is known for its historic landscape architecture, including a Victorian landscape garden, and its diverse collection of trees and plants.

There are many good reasons to visit Awbury Arboretum, including the opportunity to enjoy a peaceful natural setting in the city and to learn about the history of the arboretum and Germantown. Visitors can take guided tours, participate in educational programs, and attend events throughout the year.

Some specific points of interest to see at Awbury Arboretum include the Francis Cope House, a historic mansion that serves as the arboretum's headquarters, the Victorian landscape garden, and the arboretum's extensive collection of trees and plants. There are also several walking trails that wind through the arboretum's gardens and woods, providing opportunities to observe wildlife and enjoy the scenery.

Interesting facts about Awbury Arboretum include its designation as a National Historic Landmark and its inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. The arboretum has also been recognized by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and the American Public Gardens Association for its excellence in horticulture and public garden management.

The best time of year to visit Awbury Arboretum is in the spring or fall, when the gardens are in bloom and the foliage is at its most colorful. However, the arboretum is open year-round and offers a variety of programs and events throughout the year, including a winter concert series, a summer farmers' market, and a holiday open house.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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