What an Arboretum is and why they’re important
In its simplest form, an arboretum is a collection of trees and associated woody plants. As a Level II-accredited arboretum through ArbNet, the Crown Hill Arboretum has met or exceeded the following criteria:
- An arborist on staff who ensures fulfillment of the arboretum plan and provides for the basic needs of the arboretum collection and functions of the arboretum.
- A collection of more than 100 species, varieties or cultivars of trees or woody plants.
- An arboretum plan and collections policy, describing the development and professional management of the plants in the arboretum collection.
- An arboretum committee of people or governing board or authority dedicated to the arboretum plan and its continuation beyond the efforts of a single individual.
- Visitor access that includes some level of public access and at least one public event or educational program each year focused on trees or arboretum purposes.
- Enhanced educational and outreach programming with programs related to trees (e.g., tree identification, ecology, conservation, collections or some other tree-focused aspect of the arboretum mission or overall plan).
- Collaborative research with institutions of higher education.
The Importance of Arboreta
- Arboreta are wonderful places to educate people on how to best use plants in their own landscape.
- Arboreta are important in conservation efforts to save endangered trees and the wildlife that depend on them.
- They offer a location where trees are allowed to grow to their full and natural form for both observation and enjoyment.
- They offer a beautiful place for people to visit and enjoy.
- Scientists use arboreta as sites for scientific and educational studies related to trees.
For more information about visiting Crown Hill or learning about the Crown Hill Arboretum, visit crownhillhf.org.
About ArbNet
ArbNet is an interactive, collaborative, international community of arboreta. ArbNet facilitates the sharing of knowledge, experience, and other resources to help arboreta meet their institutional goals and works to raise professional standards through the ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program. The accreditation program, sponsored and coordinated by The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois in cooperation with American Public Gardens Association and Botanic Gardens Conservation International, is the only global initiative to officially recognize arboreta based on a set of professional standards. The program offers four levels of accreditation, recognizing arboreta of various degrees of development, capacity, and professionalism. Standards include planning, governance, public access, programming and tree science, planting, and conservation. More information is available at www.arbnet.org.
