Arboretum Research Partner Directory

ArbNet and our partner, the Tree Research and Education Endowment Fund (TREE Fund), are excited to launch the Arboretum Research Partner Directory, a new resource to help connect ArbNet-accredited arboreta with research and conservation partners. 

A comprehensive evaluation of ArbNet completed in 2025 revealed that many arboreta are interested in increasing their visibility as potential research and conservation project partners, and expanding their partnership opportunities. Additionally, many arboreta indicated an interest in collaborative research and conservation, but did not feel that they had the capacity, expertise, or funds to lead those projects on their own. 

Through this initiative, ArbNet-accredited arboreta around the world have the opportunity to express their interest in collaborating on scientific and conservation projects in a variety of forms and scales by signing up to be included on the directory below. 

The Arboretum Research Partner Directory was created to help researchers and conservationists find potential arboretum partners. These partnerships could include project proposals and implementation; access to land, plant collections, plant material, and data; and/or connection with scientific expertise at these arboreta. 

While arboreta are centered around woody plant species, they also offer a wealth of opportunity in many research areas, including:

• Horticulture/Arboriculture
• Ecology
• Biology
• Physiology
• Climate
• Genetics
• Systematics/Herbaria
• Soil science
• Pathology/Pests
• Sustainability
• Wildlife science
• Aquatic science
• Behavioral and social science (e.g., audience engagement, learning impact, behavior change, etc.)

In some cases, the arboreta on this list are working towards advancing their ArbNet accreditation level, which would be facilitated through involvement with new research and conservation collaborations. 

How to Use the Directory

Researchers can reach out to contacts in the directory with inquiries about how to organize research and conservation projects with individual arboreta. Being on this list does not mean an arboretum is saying yes to any project; it only reflects an arboretum’s potential interest. To interact directly with the data, such as sorting or filtering, you must download or make your own copy of the file.

Access the interactive Arboretum Research Partner Directory.

Directory data is updated regularly as arboreta apply to be included in this initiative. If your arboretum is already included in the directory and you would like to update your information, please reach out to ArbNet via email at arbnet@mortonarb.org.

This directory is also hosted on the Tree Research and Education Endowment (TREE) Fund website. TREE Fund’s mission is to support scientific discovery and dissemination of new knowledge and best practices in the fields of arboriculture and urban forestry. 

The Arboretum Research Partner Directory is being promoted widely to other research, conservation, and ecological organizations for other arboreta, researchers, and conservationists to use to identify and connect with potential arboretum partners. 

How Arboreta Can Participate

In addition to contributing to broader research and conservation impact, collaborative research projects can help your arboretum solve practical tree care or management issues in your institution, bring new expertise or knowledge to your arboretum, and elevate your profile with your visitors and professional networks. Participating in collaborative research projects can connect your staff with other professionals in the field and generate new stories to tell your visitors and supporters. Collaborative projects can also have an important positive impact on the people and plants in your local, regional, and international communities, and can be fun for everyone involved.

To participate, your organization must be an ArbNet-accredited arboretum. ArbNet accreditation is free and open to tree-focused organizations in a variety of sizes and scales. Learn more about ArbNet arboretum accreditation. 

Add Your Arboretum to the Directory

ArbNet-accredited arboreta who complete the Arboretum Research Partner form (also available in Spanish) will be included on the list of arboreta interested in partnering with researchers, conservationists, and organizations on research and/or plant conservation projects. 

To be inclusive of differing organizational capacities, the Arboretum Research Partner form includes options for arboreta to indicate their organizational capacity and desired level of project involvement, as well as any other key features of your arboretum that you might wish to communicate to researchers and conservationists seeking project partners.