Benedictine University (BenU) has been awarded Level I Arboretum Accreditation by The ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program and the Morton Arboretum for achieving particular standards of professional practices deemed important for arboreta and botanic gardens.
The ArbNet Arboretum Accredation Program is the only global initiative to officially recognize arboreta at various levels of development, capacity, and professionalism. BenU is now recognized as an accredited arboretum in the Morton Register of Arboreta, a database of the world’s arboreta and gardens dedicated to woody plants.
In summer 2024, two BenU students, Hajira Choudry and Karan Shetty, embarked on a project to identify, inventory, map, and label a selection of trees on campus through the support of the National Science Summer Research Program (NSSRP). The initial goal was to assess if BenU met the requirements to become an arboretum – and that was confirmed.
We have a beautiful campus, but having it now become an accredited arboretum is proof of the dedication and hard work of so many individuals throughout the years who meticulously have taken care of it. We are all very grateful for the opportunity to engage in such a meaningful research project, and the work these students have accomplished within just two semesters is astounding. Their discipline, stewardship, and service to our community truly encompasses our Benedictine Hallmarks.
– Karly Tumminello, Director/Curator, Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum
The Benedictine University Arboretum consists of 89 mature trees and shrubs, and has 37 unique species. All of these trees were sampled and their leaves were pressed and added to the University’s herbarium.
The Stewardship and Sustainability Committee will oversee the annual assessment of the arboretum, and the Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum and Facilities Management will oversee the health and well-being of the arboretum.
