Pastorius Park has been recognized as a Level 1 arboretum by the ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program, an accolade that recognizes the park's longstanding commitment to botanical conservation and environmental education.

"Achieving Level One Arboretum accreditation is not just a milestone for our park but also a celebration of our community's ongoing engagement with nature," said James McNabb, Vice President of the Friends of Pastorius Park (FoPP). "This designation allows us to further educate our visitors about the diverse plant life that flourishes right here in our urban environment."

In celebration of this achievement, the Friends of Pastorius Park have announced a series of events tied to the upcoming Arbor Day. A formal dedication ceremony is scheduled for April 26 and kicks it off with professional arborists onsite to conduct essential tree care. This session highlights the park's commitment to maintaining its greenery and emphasizes the role of expert care in sustaining the arboretum's health and beauty.

The festivities continue on April 27 with a guided tour led by Rob Fleming, in partnership with the Chestnut Hill Conservancy. This tour promises to offer insights into the historical and ecological significance of the park, with advanced registration available through the FoPP website.

Inspired by the landscape architectural principles of Frederick Law Olmsted, the newly accredited Pastorius Park Arboretum stands as a beacon of horticultural diversity and ecological awareness. The park now serves as a living museum, showcasing an extensive collection of both native and non-native tree species. More than 200 trees and shrubs have been meticulously tagged, providing visitors with detailed information about each specimen's origin and history.

The accreditation by ArbNet also places Pastorius Park in the prestigious Morton Register of Arboreta, a global database that catalogs arboreta dedicated to the preservation and study of woody plants. This recognition underscores the park's adherence to high standards of tree science, conservation, and public engagement.

ArbNet, an international arboretum community and sponsor of the accreditation program, supports arboreta like Pastorius Park through resources and shared expertise to achieve its institutional goals. The program, which celebrates arboreta based on comprehensive professional standards, is coordinated by The Morton Arboretum in collaboration with the American Public Gardens Association and Botanic Gardens Conservation International.

For more information about the park and upcoming events, visit Friendsofpastorius.org.