In July 2019, Lewis-Clark State College applied to the Arboretum Accreditation Program and received accreditation.

ArbNet created its Arboretum Accreditation Program to establish and share a widely recognized set of industry standards for the purpose of unifying the arboretum community. No other international program of accreditation exists that is specific to arboreta. Any arboretum or public garden with a substantial focus on woody plants may apply.  LCSC is one of two 4-year colleges in Idaho to have an Arboretum.

The ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program

  • Recognizes arboreta at various levels of development, capacity, and professionalism
  • Fosters professionalism of arboreta worldwide
  • Enables collaboration in scientific, collections,    
    and conservation activities
  • Advances the planting, study, and conservation of trees.

Benefits of Accreditation

  • Be recognized for the achievement of specified levels of professional practice.
  • Work toward higher levels of professional standards once accredited.
  • Identify other organizations at similar or higher levels of accreditation to provide comparative benchmarks and models for further achievement.
  • Earn distinction in your community, university, college, or government agency.
  • Exert leadership and influence by serving as a model to encourage professional development in other organizations.
  • Identify opportunities for collaboration with other arboreta for scientific, collections, or conservation activities.