Longwood at Oakmont is officially an arboretum!

We have been recognized by “The Champion of Trees”

Longwood at Oakmont has been awarded 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 Accreditation Program is the only global initiative to officially recognize arboreta at various levels of development, capacity, and professionalism. Longwood at Oakmont is also 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. 

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“ArbNet’s accreditation of Longwood as an arboretum shines a light on our beautiful trees and the many benefits trees provide to our residents and the public: beauty, a healthier and cleaner environment, shade, and coolness. Accreditation highlights industry standards in the care of our trees and promotes their preservation for generations to come.”

-Environmental Concerns Committee, Longwood at Oakmont

What does this mean?

This recognition of professional standards and capabilities is an important milestone representing the advancement of goals specific to tree-focused public gardens. Longwood at Oakmont is now a fellow “champion of trees,” a community that encourages the planting and conservation of trees and other plants for a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world.

To achieve Accreditation, a sub-team of the Environmental Concerns Committee submitted an application to ArbNet. One requirement was to identify at least 25 species of trees and shrubs on campus. The Committee identified over forty, including the unique collection in the Memorial Garden.

The importance of tree variety.

Tree diversity is important because different trees provide unique habitats, food sources, and nesting sites for many other species of plants and animals. Tree diversity also enriches our community’s social and environmental benefits. For example, trees reduce stress, encourage physical activity, and promote social ties and kinship.

Our beautiful 60-acre campus.

Longwood at Oakmont is home to a wide variety of deciduous and evergreen trees, such as pines, spruce, dogwoods, black gum, katsura, flowering cherries, and blue holly, and perennial plants including hellebores, iris, daisies, and peonies. We estimate that there are more than 1,000 trees and at least 100 species. Paved paths meander through campus, inviting residents and the public to stroll and enjoy the many shrubs, trees, and flowering plants—when in season. Our Memorial Garden’s welcoming gazebo and collection of about 50 plants and trees are can’t-miss highlights.

The Longwood at Oakmont Arboretum is sponsored by the campus Environmental Concerns Committee, and our Garden Committee continues to develop and extend the collection! It is open to the public and handicapped accessible.