Media’s Tyler Arboretum, one of the oldest arboretums in the Northeast, is the perfect getaway with 550 acres of nature and 20 miles of stunning hiking trails, writes Meisha Johnson for CBS Philly.

Tyler Arboretum, which began as a side project by a farming family at the beginning of the 19th century, now draws in thousands of visitors each year, many of whom come to see its giant sequoia.

“This tree is, if I’m doing math correctly, 161 years old,” said Amy Mawby, director of public programs. “It was actually topped at one point and stolen to try to be a Christmas tree for someone.”

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However, according to Mawby, as the half of the tree was cut, it continued to grow and over the years branched out with two leaders. “It’s a unique shape, and it’s also a unique tree for this area because giant sequoias really don’t grow on the East Coast.”

The various treehouses and the meadow areas are also popular with visitors, as are the arboretum’s playful goats.

“We have 12 goats at the moment,” said Mawby. “They are our hired meadow managers for the summer.”

Read more about the beautiful arboretum at CBS Philly by clicking here.

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