Can you be-leaf it? OSU’s campus is a classified arboretum

This summer, Oregon State University achieved a significant milestone for its commitment to environmental education, conservation and community engagement. The College of Agricultural Sciences recently announced its arboretum status designation from the ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program.

The classification as an official arboretum was led by horticulture graduate student Dan Blanchard and underscores OSU's dedication to preserving and showcasing the rich diversity of woody plant life on Oregon State’s campus.

The new arboretum status signifies more than just a change in title. It's a testament to the university's dedication to education, research and conservation. Oregon State’s arboretum includes more than 65,000 plants in 95 families, 244 genera, and more than 1,000 species native to every continent except Antarctica.

The campus arboretum provides an invaluable educational resource for students, researchers, alumni and the wider community. Moreover, it serves as a dynamic living-learning laboratory for the university and the surrounding community. It supports the university’s land grant mission of teaching, research, and outreach and engagement while OSU strives to become a leader in plant evaluation, conservation, plant introductions, public horticulture and biodiversity education.

As a living embodiment of OSU's values, the campus arboretum is a powerful reminder of the importance of safeguarding our natural world for generations to come.

Read the full news release here.

Experience the OSU campus arboretum tour with his helpful guide.