Kim advances the Arboretum’s mission to make the world a greener, healthier, and more beautiful place by introducing plant selections with broad adaptability, disease resistance, and pest resistance.
Kim’s expertise with trees and shrubs is complemented by her knowledge of selective breeding for disease resistance and environmental stress tolerance (drought, heat, cold, and salt).
The Haerther New Plant Development Program focuses on the breeding, selection, and evaluation of woody landscape plants for urban and suburban environments. Through collaborations with external partners and stakeholders, new cultivars are introduced to the commercial nursery industry. Many of these selections are promoted through the brand Chicagoland Grows®.
