Our Mission
The Sentinel Plant Network contributes to plant conservation by engaging public garden professionals, volunteers, and visitors in the detection and diagnosis of high consequence pests and pathogens.
About the Sentinel Plant Network
First launched in 2011, the Sentinel Plant Network is a collaboration between the American Public Gardens Association and the National Plant Diagnostic Network (NPDN). This partnership makes it possible to extend NPDN’s diagnostic and “First Detector” training expertise to the diverse collections and public outreach programs of the more than 500 public gardens across the continent. The program is funded by the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) through the Farm Bill, Section PPA 7721.
What We Do
- Provide public garden professionals with training and diagnostic support to better monitor and protect their collections.
- Facilitate greater collaboration about invasive pests and pathogens among public gardens and with other organizations through improved databases and communication protocols.
- Enhance garden outreach efforts to educate their communities on the impact of high-consequence plant pests and pathogens and engage individuals as First Detectors.
To view a map of Sentinel Plant Network gardens, click here. To enroll your garden in the Network, click here.
The Sentinel Plant Network is supported by the USDA APHIS.
