Join Fairmount Park Conservancy and Andrew Kirkpatrick, Urban Greening Coordinator with Parks and Rec’s Farm Philly Program, for a two-mile tree identification hike along the historic Trolley Trail on Saturday, May 4 from 9:30-11:30 AM.

From sweetgums to tulip poplars to a variety of oaks— our urban forests are teeming with many tree species. On this hike, we’ll learn to identify commonly found trees based on leaves, branches, and bark. We’ll take time to observe the body language of trees, why they grow the way they do, and what we can learn about the life of the forest. And we’ll pepper our conversation with tree facts related to history, culture, economy, and uses.

INSTRUCTOR BIO: Andrew has been leading tree walks for the past ten years during his various roles, including at the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education and Willistown Conservation Trust. Andrew joined the Farm Philly team in December as Urban Greening Coordinator. His past work experience and education in conservation, ecological restoration, and social impact strategy combined with his passion for community and urban agriculture made the position a natural fit. He brings this experience to Farm Philly where he is managing the Community Compost Network and Land Access Program. Andrew enjoys the opportunity to engage local community gardeners and urban farmers as they gain access to resources needed to support their work.

Originally from Harrisburg, Andrew moved to Philly in 2010 for graduate school in Landscape Architecture/Ecological Restoration at Temple University and never left. Andrew loves trees and talking about their connection to the land and the past. He lives in Germantown with his family and their numerous pets. He loves riding his bike in the Wissahickon and along the Schuylkill River, listening to WXPN, and gardening with native plants.

TICKET PRICE: $15

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

• Hike is roughly two miles over a combination of flat and hilly gravel paths (moderate exertion).
• Appropriate for adults and families with children ages 14 and up. Minors must be registered and accompanied by an adult.
• Please dress according to weather conditions and wear good hiking shoes (boots/sneakers).
• Please bring your own water and snack (drinking water is not available in the park).
• Unfortunately, there are no bathrooms available along the route so please plan accordingly.
• We will leave a few minutes after the scheduled start time. Please arrive at the departure location at least five minutes early. We cannot guarantee that latecomers can join after the group has departed.

PARKING/GETTING THERE: We’ll meet at Belmont Plateau Cross Country Course entrance (parking lot next to the Car Barn building). From Montgomery Drive, turn onto the gated park road with blue “Car Barn” sign at the entrance. The parking lot is a few hundred feet ahead. There is plenty of free parking in the park.  As always, never leave valuables in your car! If traveling by public transit, the nearest stop is at Belmont Ave and Belmont Mansion/Fairmount Park Drive – a half-mile walk from the start. The closest Indego bike station is at Parkside and Belmont Ave – also a half-mile walk from the start.

QUESTIONS? Please reach out to programs@myphillypark.org

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