Clarkson University 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 Level I Accreditation is in addition to Clarkson’s Tree Campus USA certification, which has been awarded to the university annually since 2017.
The Clarkson University Arboretum is a newly established outdoor learning space intended to foster environmental education and community engagement. Located along the Raquette River and Munter trail on the University’s eastern border, the arboretum offers a new way for students, faculty, and community members to explore the Clarkson University campus. The Arboretum is a continuing student project, and students look forward to expanding signage, web presence, and programming in the future.
“This certification reflects our dedication to fostering a sustainable, nature-rich campus environment,” said Ella Weldy ‘25, ‘27, an Environmental Engineering graduate student and intern for Clarkson’s Institute for a Sustainable Environment. “Our arboretum not only supports biodiversity but also encourages the entire Clarkson community to pause, step outside, and appreciate the incredible role trees play in our ecosystem and our well-being.”
The Arboretum encompasses a variety of habitats ranging from forest, to vernal ponds, to a brown spot that is being restored into a pollinator habitat. Of particular note are the ash trees, which are being monitored for infestation by invasive Emerald Ash Borers. Additionally, invasive species like European Buckthorn and Japanese Honeysuckle are tagged to help visitors learn to identify and understand their impact on native ecosystems.
“Being part of establishing the Arboretum gave me a deep sense of pride, knowing this space will inspire and educate others for years to come,” said Mechanical Engineering student Lauren Pawlika ‘26. “Contributing to its creation alongside a dedicated team was a truly rewarding experience, allowing me to be part of something meaningful for the community.”
The arboretum is the result of a collaborative effort between student leaders and an interdisciplinary team of faculty and staff. As this program continues to grow, we look forward to expanding educational opportunities for both the Clarkson and Potsdam communities through workshops, guided tours, and volunteer events.
“It was so refreshing to go outside to identify and recognize the incredible variety of tree life on campus,” said Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering student Owen Gandt ‘26. “I enjoyed working with my peers and Senior Groundskeeper Eric Parkman to make this project happen, and it means a lot for our beautiful campus to finally be recognized as an Arboretum!”
“Being a part of the arboretum project here on the Clarkson/Munter trail was one of the most rewarding projects I have been a part of,” added Healthcare student Lexi Keller ‘26. “Being outdoors during class was amazing, and finally getting our campus certified as an accredited arboretum is such a huge accomplishment.”
The ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program is the only global initiative to officially recognize arboreta at various levels of development, capacity, and professionalism. Clarkson University 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.
About ArbNet
ArbNet is an interactive, collaborative, international community of arboreta. ArbNet facilitates the sharing of knowledge, experience, and other resources to help arboreta meet their institutional goals and works to raise professional standards through the ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program. The accreditation program, sponsored and coordinated by The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois in cooperation with American Public Gardens Association and Botanic Gardens Conservation International, is the only global initiative to officially recognize arboreta based on a set of professional standards. The program offers four levels of accreditation, recognizing arboreta of various degrees of development, capacity and professionalism. Standards include planning, governance, public access, programming and tree science, planting and conservation. More information is available at www.arbnet.org.