Parts of Swarthmore College’s Scott Arboretum in Swarthmore were severely damaged after a strong spring storm last week took down 60 trees there, writes Jason Nark for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Eight downed trees forced the closing of the Scott Arboretum amphitheater, with more downed trees also closing Crum Woods until the trees are removed and damage is repaired.
Hail, rain, and straight-line winds pummeled parts of Delaware County on April 4, including the 350-acre arboretum on campus.
Lost were several older, stately trees, including two Yoshino Cherry trees, a Saucer Magnolia in full bloom, and the arboretum’s “oldest and most beautiful specimen” of the Pendant Silver Linden.
Staff are inspecting the trails to identify damaged and unsafe trees and work with contractors to make sure the arboretum is safe for recreation.
People commented on the downed trees in an April 10 Facebook post.
“Such a loss of beloved beings,” one wrote. “May the cleanup and stewardship of this wonderful resource continue.”
The rest of Scott Arboretum & Gardens is open, and many magnolia and cherry trees in full bloom escaped damage, the arboretum wrote.
The Scott Arboretum & Gardens was founded in 1929 by the family of graduate Arthur Hoyt Scott.
Read more about the downed trees in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
