Awbury Arboretum

Awbury Arboretum
Type	Arboretum / Historic estate
Location	Germantown
Coordinates	40.0480,-75.1720
Area	55 acres
Established	1916 (as public arboretum)
Operated by	Awbury Arboretum Association
Features	Historic landscape, Francis Cope House, meadows, woodlands
Hours	Dawn to dusk daily
Transit	SEPTA Regional Rail to Washington Lane; bus routes
Website	Official Site

Awbury Arboretum is a 55-acre public arboretum and historic estate in the Germantown section of Philadelphia, preserving the grounds of a 19th-century Quaker family compound amid an urban neighborhood. The landscape features mature trees, open meadows, historic buildings, and walking paths, offering a pastoral escape and important green space for Northwest Philadelphia.

Awbury blends horticultural significance with Quaker history and community engagement.

History

The Cope Family

The estate originated as a Quaker family compound:

• 1850s: Henry Cope began acquiring land
• Extended Cope family built multiple homes
• Landscape designed in English style
• Working farm and ornamental grounds

Quaker Values

The family's Quaker beliefs shaped the property:

• Emphasis on simplicity and nature
• Agricultural self-sufficiency
• Community and family gathering space
• Environmental stewardship

Public Arboretum

The transition to public use:

• 1916: Family established Awbury Arboretum Association
• Opened grounds to public
• Preserved landscape and buildings
• Ongoing educational mission

Features

Historic Landscape

The English landscape style design includes:

• Sweeping lawns
• Specimen trees
• Naturalistic plantings
• Scenic views and vistas

Trees

Significant tree collection:

• Mature native species
• Historic plantings from 1800s
• Champion trees
• Diverse canopy

Meadows

Open grassland areas:

• Wildflower meadows
• Pollinator habitat
• Native grasses
• Managed for biodiversity

Historic Buildings

Structures on the grounds:

• Francis Cope House (1860) — Main house
• Various outbuildings
• Historic Quaker architecture
• Some available for events

The Cope House

The Francis Cope House serves as:

• Arboretum headquarters
• Event venue
• Educational programs
• Architectural landmark

Using the Arboretum

Walking

• Informal paths throughout
• Self-guided exploration
• Dog-friendly (leashed)
• Stroller accessible on main paths

Nature Observation

• Bird watching
• Tree identification
• Wildflower viewing
• Seasonal changes

Photography

Popular subjects:

• Historic buildings
• Specimen trees
• Meadow landscapes
• Seasonal blooms

Programs

Educational offerings:

• Nature programs for children
• Horticultural workshops
• Community events
• School field trips

Visiting

Hours

• Grounds: Dawn to dusk, daily
• Free admission to grounds
• Building access varies

Getting There

Location: 1 Awbury Road, Philadelphia (entrance off Washington Lane)

By Public Transit:

• SEPTA Regional Rail (Chestnut Hill East Line) to Washington Lane
• SEPTA Bus 18, 26

By Car:

• Free parking available
• Enter from Washington Lane

Tips

• The grounds are informal — explore freely
• Spring and fall offer best tree color
• Check website for special programs
• The meadows are best in late summer
• Combine with a visit to Germantown

Community Role

Awbury serves the neighborhood through:

• Free public green space
• Environmental education
• Urban agriculture programs
• Community partnerships
• Workforce development

Nearby

• Germantown — Surrounding historic neighborhood
• Cliveden — Historic site nearby
• Wissahickon Valley Park — West
• Vernon Park — Nearby Germantown park
• Chestnut Hill — North

See Also

• Germantown
• Morris Arboretum
• Bartram's Garden
• Wissahickon Valley Park

External Links

• Awbury Arboretum