About ArbNet

Welcome to ArbNet, a global network for arboreta and tree-focused professionals.

ArbNet is an international network dedicated specifically to the needs and interests of arboreta and tree-focused professionals.

ArbNet was founded in 2011 by The Morton Arboretum in collaboration with the American Public Gardens Association and Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI). ArbNet accredits arboreta and maintains a register of arboreta around the world.

An arboretum is a living museum of trees and other woody plants curated by an organization that has a commitment to care for the collection and educate the public about trees and other woody plants. More than just a collection of trees, an arboretum serves as a community educational resource, providing a platform for public engagement and learning about trees and their ecological significance.

Some arboreta are large botanic gardens, but an arboretum also can be a municipal tree collection, college campus, cemetery, park, or small community green space. Through ArbNet, many kinds of organizations are accredited as arboreta.

ArbNet provides free opportunities to connect with tree-focused professionals, share success stories, and strengthen an organization’s work for trees.

While ArbNet is founded and led by The Morton Arboretum, many institutional partners and tree professionals from around the world inform and guide the work of ArbNet, from helping to define the standards of the ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program to providing training and expertise to the ArbNet community.

ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program

At the core of ArbNet is the Arboretum Accreditation Program, the only international accreditation program specifically for arboreta.

Accreditation recognizes an arboretum at one of four levels, based on its tree collections, capacity, planning, educational and public programming, and contributions to tree conservation and science. Accreditation is free. It is valid for five years and can be renewed.

ArbNet accreditation can:

Establish credibility and professional recognition for an arboretum
Provide a framework for management and help plan for growth
Signal an organization’s commitment to high standards in tree care, education, and conservation
Provide access to funding opportunities and professional networks
Foster collaboration with other accredited arboreta for tree research, conservation, and public engagement

If your organization manages a tree collection—whether as its primary mission or as part of a broader landscape—ArbNet accreditation is a valuable and achievable goal.

Learn more about ArbNet’s Arboretum Accreditation Program and consider how your organization could become an accredited arboretum. If you have questions, contact ArbNet. The staff will support you on your journey toward accreditation.

The Morton Register of Arboreta

ArbNet hosts the Morton Register of Arboreta, a comprehensive and growing list of tree-focused organizations and sites around the world.

From world-renowned public gardens with major tree collections to municipal parks, campuses, zoos, and cemeteries, the Morton Register acknowledges the rich diversity of organizations working to steward and study trees worldwide. All accredited arboreta are listed on the Morton Register, in addition to non-accredited sites.

If you manage an arboretum or a tree-focused site, contact ArbNet to be added to the Morton Register and share your work with the world.

Using the Morton Register of Arboreta, anyone can:

Search for tree-focused gardens and arboreta around the world by location, accreditation level, and type
Identify potential collaborators
Discover other arboreta nearby

Resources for Arboreta

Whether you are looking to start an arboretum, strengthen your existing programs, or expand your conservation impact, ArbNet’s resources can help you achieve your mission.

They include:

Professional standards and guidelines for establishing and managing arboreta
Online tools for benchmarking, resource sharing, and advancing organizational goals
Best-practice models drawn from diverse institutions around the world
Networking opportunities to connect with peers, share knowledge, and form partnerships
Opportunities to participate in collaborative tree research and conservation programs
Grant opportunities supporting capacity building and conservation initiatives

If you care for trees and manage a collection of trees—no matter the size—ArbNet welcomes you to a community dedicated to arboreta.

Sign up for the quarterly ArbNet newsletter, which highlights arboretum and tree resources, featured arboreta, news from our partners, current events, and other important updates for the arboretum community.

Explore the ArbNet newsletter archive to find stories of innovation, collaboration, and leadership from arboreta across the globe.

ArbNet also offers occasional webinars and in-person meeting opportunities, which are announced in the newsletter.

Contact ArbNet