Hillsborough County's green thumb has just gotten a bit greener with its first arboretum accredited by ArbNet, an international network of arboreta and tree-focused professionals. The UF/IFAS Extension in Hillsborough has officially earned their stripes—or rather, leaves—for their 1.5 acre educational landscape aimed at fostering environmental stewardship and increasing horticultural know-how among locals.
The arboretum, which boasts a collection including fruit trees, native Floridian species, and other regional botanicals, serves as a living classroom. As noted by Hillsborough County Government's website, securing this accolade from the only organization doling out such acknowledgments involved meeting a handful of criteria. Among these, a strategic plan, a governance structure, featuring at a minimum of 25 different species, and having a public component, plus devoted staff or volunteers.
For a spot to pop up on ArbNet's radar for Level One accreditation is no small feat—it champions accessibility to nature and education. The UF/IFAS Extension, primarily known for its agricultural tutelage, can now tack on arboreal knowledge dissemination to their resume. This additional feather in their cap is expected to sprout further opportunities for community engagement and enlightenment on environmental matters.
New tree tags and visitor signage will be sprouting up, according to the same Hillsborough County Government's announcement, not only to inform but also to celebrate the hard-earned recognition that's placed them on the map as a site of arboreal excellence.
