We are proud to announce that Madison Square Park’s arboretum has been designated a Level 2 Arboretum by The ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program and The Morton Arboretum.

Joining 143 institutions worldwide that meet strict standards in tree excellence, this designation celebrates the park’s efforts in conserving our woody plants for a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world. 

Established in February 2018 as the only arboretum in Manhattan, Madison Square Park’s arboretum is intended to be a public resource, providing needed access to trees in our urban jungle. Our arboretum has over 300 specimens of trees: of note are two historic English elms; pre-dating the park’s construction in 1850, endangered species such as American elm, white ash, and extensive witch hazel and redbud collections. 

5 fun facts about why arboreta are important:

1. Provide beautiful spaces for people to visit and enjoy.
2. Create outdoor living tree museums that hold collections of live woody plants.
3. Conservation efforts to preserve trees worldwide.
4. Trees receive protection within each arboretum, protecting biological diversity and acting as stands of stored genetic material.
5. Give tools for scientific and educational studies related to trees.

Our own Certified Arborist, Stephanie Lucas and Master Arborist Bill Logan worked together to develop a robust Tree Conservation Plan focusing on species diversity, increasing fall color, and preparing the canopy for climate change. A Tree Fund campaign to support the trees of Madison Square Park kicked off on Arbor Day 2021. 

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