Buffalo Grove Park District Gets Top Accreditation By Tree Group

BUFFALO GROVE, IL — The Buffalo Grove Park District’s Native Tree and Shrub Arboretum at Green Lake Park has been awarded a Level I 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, according to a news release, is the only global initiative to officially recognize arboreta at various levels of development, capacity, and professionalism. The Native Tree and Shrub Arboretum at Green Lake Park 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.

The Arboretum was designed by Jeff Weiss, founder of the Buffalo Grove Environmental Action Team. More than 60 species of native trees and shrubs native plants are on display for their beauty, low maintenance, and habitat value for birds and other beneficial wildlife. Plantings were installed by Buffalo Grove Park District staff, with funding provided by a ComEd Green Region Grant, the Buffalo Grove Rotary Club, the Buffalo Grove Garden Club, and Lake County Stormwater Management Commission, according to the news release. Volunteers assisted with planting at two public events. Plant labels have QR codes that link to information about how these plants can be used in the suburban landscape.

A dedication of the arboretum and additional educational programming is being planned for later this year.
“This project completes a multi-year redevelopment effort at one of our most popular community parks," Tim Howe, Director of Parks and Planning for the Buffalo Grove Park District, said. "The Native Tree and Shrub Arboretum at Green Lake Park will promote our values of stewardship and building green infrastructure in our parks and across our community.”

More information is available at arbnet.org.