WALLINGFORD, PA (April 22, 2025) – Pendle Hill, a Quaker study, retreat, and conference center in Wallingford, has been awarded a Level II Accreditation by The ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program and The Morton Arboretum, for achieving industry standards of professional practices deemed important for arboreta and botanic gardens. The ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program is the only global initiative to officially recognize arboreta at various levels of development, capacity, and professionalism. Pendle Hill is also now recognized as an accredited arboretum in the Morton Register of Arboreta, a database of the world’s arboreta and gardens dedicated to woody plants.
Established in 1930, Pendle Hill encompasses 24 acres of diverse ecosystems, where the Arboretum is thoughtfully managed to prioritize native plantings and healthy wildlife habitats in alignment with Quaker values of respect for the Earth. The grounds feature a mile-long perimeter path connecting thirteen historic buildings and showcasing over 140 species of trees and shrubs. Notable specimens include a towering 90 foot tall Osage Orange, mature Sugar Maples, a trio of 70-year-old Dawn Redwoods, and the 300+-year-old American Beech, designated the largest in Pennsylvania and affectionately called “Mama Beech” among the Pendle Hill community.
Sadly, shortly after receiving this accreditation, Pendle Hill was struck by a severe storm that caused significant damage to trees, trails, and buildings across the campus. Undeterred, the dedicated grounds team is actively working to restore the arboretum, with a renewed commitment to incorporating more native species and implementing enhanced stewardship practices to cultivate an even more resilient and welcoming natural space for residents, guests, and the wider community. If you’d like to follow along, you can find updates at pendlehill.org/recovery.
“This accreditation validates our long-standing commitment to land stewardship and provides a framework for our ongoing efforts to create a thriving and educational natural environment.” said Lloyd Guindon, Director of Facilities and Grounds. “While this storm resulted in the most damage I’ve seen in my 40 years at Pendle Hill, it has also galvanized our resolve to build an even stronger and more ecologically diverse arboretum for all to enjoy.”
About Pendle Hill
Founded on Quaker principles in 1930, Pendle Hill is a study, retreat, and conference center that welcomes all. Situated on 24 acres in Wallingford, Pennsylvania, Pendle Hill offers a variety of programs, including residential study, retreats, conferences, and workshops focused on spiritual growth, social justice, and the arts. The campus provides a peaceful and engaging environment where individuals can connect with themselves, with others, and with the natural world.
About ArbNet
ArbNet is an interactive, collaborative, international community of arboreta. ArbNet facilitates the sharing of knowledge, experience, and other resources to help arboreta meet their institutional goals and works to raise professional standards through the ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program. The accreditation program, sponsored and coordinated by The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois in cooperation with American Public Gardens Association and Botanic Gardens Conservation International, is the only global initiative to officially recognize arboreta based on a set of professional standards. The program offers four levels of accreditation, recognizing arboreta of various degrees of development, capacity and professionalism. Standards include planning, governance, public access, programming and tree science, planting and conservation. More information is available at www.arbnet.org.
