Tyler Arboretum

Tyler Arboretum is a place of natural beauty that attracts visitors from around the Philadelphia region, providing access to natural lands and educational opportunities.

Two streams run through it, with one receiving runoff from the property itself, while the other accommodates runoff mostly from offsite properties. Both streams have areas of flooding, erosion, and bank degradation.

During preparation of the stormwater master plan, Meliora conducted a hydrologic and hydraulic analysis for each drainage area, identifying opportunities to reduce stormwater flows and to address stream erosion. We then developed quantified concepts to address stormwater management in a way that would also add to the visitor experience and the development of water-focused educational programming.

Master plan recommendations include a meadow restoration, large stormwater storage contour berms to reduce flow rates, an educational rain garden, and a wet meadow. Stream restoration techniques propose natural methods over time using beaver dam analogs, as well as more immediate improvements through grading, planting, and buffers.