Upgrade Your Accreditation Level

Overview
How to Upgrade
Contact ArbNet

As your arboretum develops, you may be ready to pursue a higher level of ArbNet accreditation.

An arboretum can reach the next level if it expands its plant collections and management staff, strengthens its educational programming, or deepens its contributions to research and conservation.

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.

How to Upgrade Your Accreditation

Arboreta can upgrade their accreditation at any time for no cost. Once you’ve met the requirements for the next level, you are eligible to upgrade.

The process is streamlined to save you time.

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.
Review the application and revise your responses. Update your documentation and narrative to reflect new accomplishments since your last accreditation.
Add supporting materials that demonstrate your eligibility for a higher level, such as expanded species lists for trees in your collection, staff changes, new programs, or conservation and scientific efforts.
Submit your application through the customized link. ArbNet staff will review your materials and respond within four weeks.

Renewing accreditation at the same level follows the same process.

Accreditation is more than a one-time accolade. It’s a reflection of your institution’s ongoing commitment to excellence in tree care and education, and a milestone in your arboretum’s development.

To see how other arboreta are achieving accreditation standards, explore ArbNet’s Morton Register of Arboreta. You can filter the register to show accredited arboreta similar to yours or those at the next level.