This Arbor Day, Lincoln Park Zoo Earns Upgrade from ArbNet Accreditation Program

Chicago (April 26, 2024) – This Arbor Day, Lincoln Park Zoo is proud to share it has been upgraded to a Level III accreditation by The ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program hosted by The Morton Arboretum. This important achievement acknowledges the zoo’s commitment to its horticulture program, creating a world class institution for plants and animals alike.

Lincoln Park Zoo has long been invested in horticulture, and first became an accredited arboretum in 2019. The on-grounds landscape has grown to include over 500 taxa of woody plants and more than 1,800 total plant species across the 49 acres of Lincoln Park Zoo and its Nature Boardwalk. Of note, the zoo cares for special plant collections of North American native hydrangea and the country’s only accredited perennial herbaceous hibiscus collection. A full database of the plants on grounds, as well as a virtual tour of the collection and arboretum, can be found here.

“When guests visit Lincoln Park Zoo, we want them to feel immersed in a lush oasis in the heart of the city, surrounded by an impressive array of plant species,” said Katrina Quint, Director of Horticulture. “The horticulture team at Lincoln Park Zoo continues to advance in the field, and it’s extremely satisfying to see this recognition for all the hard work that goes into caring for the zoo’s landscape.”

The ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program recognizes institutions for achieving particular standards of professional practices deemed important for arboreta. The Level III accreditation specifically recognizes a demonstrated commitment to tree science, conservation, and education. It is the only global initiative to officially recognize arboreta at various levels of development, capacity, and professionalism. Lincoln Park Zoo is one of only two zoos in the country that advanced beyond Level II arboretum accreditation.

For more information about Lincoln Park Zoo, its horticulture program, or gardens, visit lpzoo.org.

About Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo inspires communities to create environments where wildlife will thrive in our urbanizing world. The zoo is a leader in local and global conservation, animal care and welfare, learning, and science. A historic Chicago landmark founded in 1868, the not-for-profit Lincoln Park Zoo is a privately-managed, member-supported organization and is free and open 365 days a year. Visit us at lpzoo.org.