By Lynette Cox
Oak Collection at Bernheim Receives Accreditation from American Public Gardens Association
Bernheim Forest and Arboretum is pleased to announce its Oak Collection has been granted National Accreditation by the Plant Collections Network (PCN) of the American Public Gardens Association (APGA). The Oak Collection at Bernheim joins the Nationally Accredited Quercus (Oak) Multisite Collection governed by the PCN Oak Curatorial Group.
The earliest specimens in the Oak Collection in the 600-acre arboretum were planted in the late 1950s and included pin, willow, red, and white oaks. Today, the Oak Collection boasts 120 individual trees representing 50 taxa, including native species but also rare or endangered species, such as Quercus georgiana. Of the 50 taxa in the Collection, 9 of them will be unique additions to the Multisite Collection.
“The accreditation of our Oak Collection recognizes the outstanding variety of oak taxa we have at Bernheim,” explained Hannah Hunt, Plant Records Coordinator at Bernheim Forest and Arboretum. “The collection underwent a rigorous 8-month review process and on-site inspection.”
Achieving accreditation from the Plant Collections Network is a significant milestone for Bernheim Forest and Arboretum’s Oak Collection. It showcases the institution’s long-term commitment to plant conservation, research, and public education within the botanical garden community. Bernheim is now poised to share genetic material and strategize conservation methods of oak.
“There is a global conservation focus on oak as a keystone species,” explained Drew Combs, Horticulture Manager at Bernheim. “Oak is vitally important for our environment, wildlife, and economy. Bernheim’s oak taxa list is now shared globally, which opens avenues to preserving more genetic material at Bernheim and abroad.”
As a recipient of this esteemed accreditation, Bernheim is among a prestigious group of gardens, arboreta, and zoos that have committed themselves to the conservation and care of specific plant collections curated at the highest professional level. This demonstrates excellence in plant collections, sustainable practices, and educational initiatives. This recognition further solidifies Bernheim’s position as a premier destination for horticultural enthusiasts and conservation advocates. This is the second collection at Bernheim Forest to receive this prestigious honor. The Magnolia Collection was accredited by the PCN in 2024.
With cooler weather and the arrival of autumn, Bernheim will soon be ablaze in a vibrant canvas of reds, oranges, and yellows for visitors to enjoy. With majestic oaks, delicate maples, and beautiful gingkos, Bernheim provides a peaceful retreat to connect with nature and enjoy the season. Fall color typically goes through mid-November based on species.
In addition to preserving plant material in the Arboretum, Bernheim is expanding educational programming that explains the importance of biodiversity, preservation, and the role of Arboreta in the world of genetic conservation. The annual fall festival, ColorFest, will take place on November 1 and 2 at Bernheim. Information can be found at Bernheim.org/events.
About the Plant Collections Network
The Plant Collections Network is a program of the American Public Gardens Association in cooperation with the USDA-Agricultural Research Service. The Network stewards diverse living collections at public gardens across North America to safeguard plants and share them with the world. Known for excellence and high curation standards, the Plant Collections Network uses the collections for education, demonstration, and research.
