By Patricia Beaudet

In 1728, John Bartram (1699-1777), a third generation Pennsylvania Quaker,
bought 102 acres of land on the west side of the Schuylkill River from Swedish settlers
and began systematically exploring the New World from Florida to New England,
bringing home the most varied collection of plants in North America. A gifted and
dedicated naturalist, Bartram was a self-taught botanist who became known worldwide
for his discoveries and was even named the “King’s Botanist” in 1765 by King George
III. Europeans were hungry for information about the New World, and Bartram satisfied
their curiosity by sending seeds and specimens overseas, developing a very successful
business in the process. Two of his sons followed in his footsteps, most notably
William, who wrote a well-known travelogue of his trips. His granddaughter Ann Carr
continued growing the family’s international plant trade and nursery business with her
husband. Financial difficulties forced the sale of the property in 1850. Wealthy
industrialist and neighbor Andrew Eastwick and others preserved the historic garden
until it was taken over by the City of Philadelphia in 1891

Bartram’s Garden is now a 45-acre National Historic Landmark. The John
Bartram Association, founded in 1893 by Bartram’s descendants, manages the property
along with the Department of Parks and Recreation. While its mission remains strongly
rooted in Bartram’s legacy of exploring and preserving the natural world, and inspiring
people of all ages and backgrounds to care for it, it has been expanded to include a
community farm and recreational trail. For more on the history of Bartram’s Garden and
its mission, visit www.bartramsgarden.org.

But wait…there’s more! You can visit Bartram’s Garden with the Sierra Club!

BOAT TO BARTRAM’S GARDEN – Sunday, October 6, 2019, 11:30 am

We are organizing a 3-hour tour of Bartram’s Garden for Sierra Club members
and friends at a special price of $22 per person. This event is sponsored by the
Schuylkill River Development Corporation.

Leaving from the Walnut Street dock at 24th & Walnut, cruise to Bartram’s Garden
on a guided riverboat ride for a guided walking tour of Bartram’s Garden and adjacent
Sankofa Community Garden. There will be time to explore the Bartram’s
Mile recreational trail or relax under some of the oldest trees in the City. Snacks and
beverages are available for purchase on the boat, and there are picnic tables and a
lawn area at Bartram's Garden for those who wish to bring a picnic lunch. This tour
involves a 10-minute walk up the Bartram's Meadow (approximately 1/4 mile) to reach
the Garden. Native seeds and plants are available for purchase in the Gift Shop.

You must register and pay in advance to secure your reservation. Seating is
limited -- so be among the first to sign up! Click here to register.

Pat Beaudet is a former chair and newsletter editor of the Southeastern PA Group (SPG). Now
retired from the Executive Committee, she likes to contribute to the newsletter and organize
events.