Accreditation Resources

These helpful resources can support applicants for ArbNet arboretum accreditation.

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 four levels of accreditation recognize the achievements of tree-focused organizations while setting goals for continued growth and excellence.

The four levels of ArbNet’s Arboretum Accreditation Program are designed to help arboreta chart a plan for the future. Each level builds upon the previous one, recognizing the evolving strengths of your institution.

Whether you’ve expanded your plant collections, added educational programs, or initiated scientific collaborations, your achievements may qualify you for the next tier of recognition.

Levels of Accreditation

Level I Criteria

An arboretum plan
A governing group
A staff member or volunteer who manages the arboretum
A labeled collection of at least 25 taxa (species, subspecies, cultivars, varieties, etc.) of trees and other woody plants
At least one tree-related event a year that is open to the general public

Level II Criteria

An arboretum plan
A governing group
Paid management
A labeled collection of 100 or more taxa (species, subspecies, cultivars, varieties, etc.) of trees and other woody plants
A collections policy
At least one tree-related event a year that is open to the general public
Expanded educational and public programming

Level III Criteria

An arboretum plan
A governing group
Paid management
A dedicated curator or curator-equivalent position
A labeled collection of at least 500 taxa (species, subspecies, cultivars, varieties, etc.) of trees and other woody plants
A collections policy
Sharing of plant collections data
Extensive educational and public programming initiatives
Collaboration with other institutions
Tree science, strategic planting, or conservation activities

Level IV Criteria

An arboretum plan
A governing group
Paid management
A dedicated curator or curator-equivalent position
A labeled collection of at least 500 taxa (species, subspecies, cultivars, varieties, etc.) of trees and other woody plants
A collections policy
Sharing of plant collections data
Substantial educational and public programming initiatives related to trees or other woody plants
Collaboration with other institutions
Tree science, strategic planting, or conservation activities
Substantial and integrated woody plant conservation (ex situ and in situ)

Sample Applications for Arboretum Accreditation

Use the examples below to see what a completed accreditation application can look like for each level of ArbNet accreditation.

These samples offer guidance on formatting, types of documentation to include, and how to articulate your arboretum’s mission, collections, and operations to meet ArbNet’s accreditation criteria.

They illustrate how a diverse range of arboreta can meet accreditation criteria in different ways.

Sample Level I accreditation application

Sample Level II accreditation application

Sample Level III accreditation application

Sample Level IV accreditation application

Arboretum Tool Kits

ArbNet’s Arboretum Tool Kits provide practical advice tailored to specific kinds of organizations. The tool kits offer examples from peer institutions, resources catered to each type, and recommended practices that align with your institution’s context.

Cemetery Arboretum Tool Kit

City Arboretum Tool Kit

School Arboretum Tool Kit

University/College Arboretum Tool Kit

Marketing Your Accreditation

Accreditation Signs

An ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation sign is available to order through Cynosure Custom Signs Inc. The signs are made of DIBOND®, an aluminum composite sheet, and are suitable for indoor or outdoor use.

The process and details for ordering a sign to recognize your accreditation are below.

Ordering an Accreditation Sign

ArbNet-accredited arboreta can request an accreditation sign through Cynosure’s website or by email at cynosuresigns@gmail.com. In your email, say you are interested in the ArbNet accreditation sign.

If you wish to purchase a customized version of the accreditation sign with your own logo included, you will need to send your digital logo file to Cynosure with your request.

Size Options

Prices do not include cost of shipping or taxes.

9 x 12 inches, customized or uncustomized: $25 (USD)
12 x 18 inches, customized or uncustomized: $35 (USD)

If you live outside the United States, you can have a sign made locally. Email the ArbNet staff at arbnet@mortonarb.org to request the ArbNet sign image file and take it to a sign vendor near you.

Accreditation Sign Examples

Digital Accreditation Badges

Use an ArbNet accreditation badge to celebrate and promote your achievement on your website, emails, signage, or brochures.

The badges are available as digital files in various formats. Your basic badge will be sent to you with your letter of accreditation. See other available badges here. To request the digital file for a badge or the digital file for the ArbNet logo, email the ArbNet staff at arbnet@mortonarb.org.

Accreditation Badge Examples

Accreditation Renewal and Upgrades

ArbNet arboretum accreditation is valid for five years, with a simple renewal process. Arboreta may upgrade to a higher level of accreditation at any time once the necessary criteria are met.

Renewing Your Accreditation

To renew your ArbNet accreditation, you will access your most recent accreditation application through the ArbNet website with a customized link. The link will be sent to you by the ArbNet staff several months before it is time to renew.

Review the form and update any information as needed. Only your current contact details will need to be re-entered.

Upgrading Your Accreditation

Arboreta can upgrade their accreditation level at any time when they meet the requirements of a higher level.

To upgrade your accreditation application, contact ArbNet staff at arbnet@mortonarb.org to request a customized application link. This link will lead to an application that is prefilled with information from your previous application.

Revise the application, and add new information and documentation that supports the upgrade.