Did you realize your school campus grounds are much more than just a nice setting among your buildings? What sets your school grounds apart from the others? Are you utilizing your grounds to their fullest potential? Is your school campus an outdoor classroom and a living laboratory? Did you know that your school grounds could…

ArbNet’s Arboretum Accreditation Program establishes and shares a widely recognized set of industry standards to empower and unify the arboretum community around the world. Accreditation at one of four levels is based on an arboretum’s self-assessment and documentation of its level of achievement of specific standards. The standards address planning, governance, the number of different…

An arboretum is more than a collection of trees. Arboreta are vital green spaces that promote environmental awareness, support biodiversity, and serve as living laboratories for education, conservation, and community engagement around nature.  Whether your vision is large or small, ArbNet can guide you through the process of establishing an arboretum with purpose and professionalism.…

The ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program, managed by The Morton Arboretum, is the only international accreditation program created specifically for arboreta.  Through the accreditation program, a place with a collection of trees can receive recognition as an arboretum by meeting specific criteria and demonstrating its dedication to tree care and planting, tree preservation, and public education. …

Plant labels and maps serve both practical and educational purposes. They support plant recordkeeping, wayfinding, interpretation, and are a requirement for all levels of ArbNet arboretum accreditation.  ArbNet provides guidance on what information to include on labels, options for materials and label production, digital labeling and mapping options, and tools for integrating labeling into broader…

Whether you’re preparing your organization’s initial ArbNet accreditation application, upgrading to a higher level, or renewing, these resources are designed to help you navigate the process. Begin your ArbNet arboretum accreditation application online. Have questions about the ArbNet accreditation program process and application? Email the ArbNet staff at arbnet@mortonarb.org. Compare Levels of Arboretum Accreditation ArbNet’s…

Level IV arboreta feature a minimum of 500 labeled species or taxa, a commitment to collections of conservation value, substantial public educational opportunities, and staffed scientists contributing to collaborative research. These institutions manage extensive and well-documented collections and serve as global leaders in tree-focused research, conservation, and public education. Level IV arboreta are distinguished by…

ArbNet’s four levels of accreditation recognize the achievements of tree-focused organizations while setting goals for continued growth and excellence.  For every arboretum, there is an appropriate level of accreditation. Each level recognizes a distinct stage of development and can be a step toward improvement. Each level has specific criteria related to the size and scope…

Level III accreditation is granted to arboreta with a minimum of 500 species or taxa and those that contribute meaningful involvement in scientific research, conservation, or ex situ collections. These institutions manage extensive and well-documented collections and serve as regional leaders in tree-focused education and conservation. Level III arboreta are distinguished by professional staff and…