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Global Tree Conservation Program

Global Tree Conservation Program Collaborations and Networks

Collaboration is at the heart of the Arboretum’s Global Tree Conservation Program.

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The Global Tree Conservation Program (GTCP) is dedicated to safeguarding tree species through global collaborations. Through the collaborative programs listed below, the GTCP staff leads integrated, science-based conservation action projects that support sustainable livelihoods and respect local cultures and traditional knowledge.

The GTCP prioritizes working in partnership with in-country stakeholders as they hold the local expertise, helping to make great strides in both tree conservation and research.

Most importantly, these collaborative projects build capacity in the world’s tree biodiversity hotspots so that local communities have the tools, knowledge, and resources to conduct their own tree conservation projects as well as help them become advocates for protecting natural resources.

Collaborative Networks

Center for Species Survival: Trees

Through a partnership with the Species Survival Commission of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), The Morton Arboretum has established a hub for coordinated action to conserve tree species around the world.

Global Conservation Consortium for Oak

The Global Conservation Consortium for Oak (GCCO), in partnership with Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI), is a global network of experts working together to ensure none of the estimated 430 oak species goes extinct.

ArbNet

ArbNet is the interactive, collaborative, international community of arboreta and tree-focused professionals.

Rare Plants Network

The Rare Plant Network is a collaborative effort between four botanic gardens to prepare those who have recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree to conduct research in rare plant conservation.

Center for Species Survival: Trees

The Center for Species Survival Trees was established in 2023 through a strategic partnership between the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Species Survival Commission (SSC) and The Morton Arboretum. The mission of the Center is to work with partners to promote and support conservation of tree species and forest ecosystems, primarily in biodiversity hotspots following a methodology of “assess, plan, and act”.

Learn more about the Center for Species Survival: Trees >

Global Conservation Consortium for Oak

The Global Conservation Consortium for Oak (GCCO) was established in 2019 and it is led by The Morton Arboretum and Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI). The GCCO is a global network of experts working together to ensure none of the estimated 430 oak species goes extinct.

Learn more about the Global Conservation Consortium for Oak >

ArbNet

ArbNet is the interactive, collaborative, international community of arboreta and tree-focused professionals. ArbNet facilitates the sharing of knowledge, experience, and other resources to help arboreta of all sizes and capacities meet their institutional goals, and works to raise professional standards through the ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program.

Learn more about ArbNet >

Rare Plants Network

The Rare Plant Network is a collaborative effort between four botanic gardens across the continental United States: The Morton Arboretum, Atlanta Botanic Garden, California Botanic Garden, and San Diego Botanic Garden. The goal of this network is to prepare those who have recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree to conduct research in rare plant conservation.

Funded by the National Science Foundation, each institution hosts two mentees per year for three consecutive years. Individuals who are from groups historically excluded from STEM, first-generation college students, and students from low-income households are highly encouraged to apply.

Learn more about the Rare Plant Network and its RaMP Program >