Mizzou Botanic Garden Earns Arboretum Accreditation Level II

On April 2, the day after Joe Kovolyan’s first anniversary with MU, he received written confirmation from The Interactive Community of Arboreta (ArbNet) that MUBG had achieved Arboretum Accreditation Level II.

ArbNet is sponsored by the The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois, in partnership with Botanic Gardens Conservation International and The American Public Gardens Association.

The Morton Arboretum is an internationally recognized tree-focused botanical garden and research center. With 1,700 acres of tree-filled landscapes, like MUBG, it is a place to explore and enjoy nature.

There are 2,549 arboreta worldwide in the Morton Register. Fully 803 are globally accredited ArbNet registered arboreta, with 236 recognized as Level II gardens.

To achieve Level II status, gardens must have a tree canopy plan as part of an organizational governance group with paid management and a collections policy. At least 100 trees and woody plant taxa must be labeled. The arboretum must feature public access and offer at least one event per year as well as enhanced public and education programs. Accreditation must be renewed every five years.

“What made me really excited was when I realized we would be one of only 10 universities with both an accredited botanic garden campus and arboretum status in the United States,” Kovolyan said. “It really highlights the dedication and expertise of the landscape services team and the support of the administration. It’s a real source of pride.

“We worked with the University Sign Shop to produce labels identifying trees and will continue to label more trees as time goes by. Currently, the new labeling represents different tree varieties in a loop through campus that doesn’t necessarily follow our designated Tree Trails.”

Kovolyan said that at this point in his career, he has started to think more about landscapes as legacies for future generations.

“Just think, 100 years from now, people will still be benefiting from what is being done now on campus,” he said.

When asked if he had a favorite tree on campus, Kovolyan said he favored the tricolor beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Tricolor’) planted on the east lawn of the Residence on Francis Quadrangle, the only one in the Mizzou Botanic Garden — and the Mizzou Arboretum. The beech is a unique specimen tree with purple-bronze leaves that have irregularly colored edges of rose, pink and cream. It is No. 13 on MUBG’s Jesse Hall Tree Trail and in 2021, alumnus Shawn Marsh took advantage of MUBG’s Tribute Tree Program to dedicate the tricolor beech to his wife, Lori, for her birthday. Maps and information about MUBG’s three self-guided, walking Tree Trail Loops are available on the website: garden.missouri.edu.

“My favorite stretch of trees in the garden is by Ellis Library and the Speaker’s Circle,” Kovolyan said. “If you want to stroll in a natural setting that lends a feeling of calm, in my opinion, that’s the place.”

In MUBG’s arboretum acceptance letter, Morton’s President and CEO Jill Koski wrote, “This recognition of professional standards and capabilities is an important milestone for your organization, as well as representing the advancement of goals specific to tree-focused public gardens. As part of the Morton Register of Arboreta, you have an important role in our shared purpose to plant and conserve trees, and accreditation in this work acknowledges your commitment to and fulfillment of professional criteria.”

Its distinction as an arboretum also provides MUBG opportunities for professional development and collaboration with other arboreta in a variety of areas.

“Visitors to the campus gardens will appreciate the increased labeling,” Kovolyan said. “They can be assured that those on campus who support and maintain the gardens are dedicated to the stewardship of Mizzou Botanic Garden and Arboretum into the future.”

Janice Wiese-Fales writes about the Mizzou Botanic Garden. Her columns appear twice monthly in the Missourian.