A New Tree-Focused Center for Species Survival at The Morton Arboretum

Trees are the scaffolding of forest ecosystems, supporting much of the world’s biodiversity and the livelihoods of millions of people. The State of the World’s Trees Report, the first assessment of Earth’s approximately 60,000 tree species, revealed that more than 17,500 are threatened with extinction. That is more than double the combined number of globally threatened mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. Yet, trees have received limited attention and resources compared to work focused on preserving wildlife. In a joint effort to elevate tree conservation globally, The Morton Arboretum has partnered with the Species Survival Commission (SSC) of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to create the Center for Species Survival: Trees. Through this new tree-focused Center, researchers will be able to expand essential work with partners in critical regions of biodiversity, such as Mesoamerica and Southeast Asia, to implement science-based strategies that protect trees and benefit humans as well. Work at the Arboretum’s Center will bring awareness to tree conservation globally, and also place a special emphasis on educating and inspiring the next generation of tree champions through outreach programs in Chicago and beyond.