Key West Tropical Forest awarded Level II Accreditation by ArbNet

Planning a trip to Key West? Looking for something to do over the weekend? Experience the beloved Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden! They recently have been awarded a Level II Accreditation by The ArbNetArboretum Accreditation Program and The Morton Arboretum.

The Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden were awarded for achieving particular standards of professional practices deemed important for arboreta and botanic gardens. The ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program is the only global initiative to officially recognize arboreta at various levels of development, capacity, and professionalism. The Key West Tropical Forest is also now recognized as an accredited arboretum in the Morton Register of Arboreta, a database of the world’s gardens dedicated to woody plants.

Upon learning of the award, Mary Chandler, a member of the Garden’s Collection Committee said, “The Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden is honored to take a place in ArbNet’s accreditation program. Our conservation of Florida Keys and West Indies trees is strengthened by this association with the global community”.

Established in 1936, the 15-acre Garden showcases the historical significance of flora that are native to South Florida, Cuba and the Caribbean and emphasizes the cultivation of threatened and endangered species of the Florida Keys. As one of the world’s few “hot spots” it encourages the study of this unique collection and provides educational programs for all age groups including a Living Lab for grade school students and a Speaker Series and Docent Guided Tours for adults. The Garden showcases a rare Cuban Palm Exhibit, three fresh water ponds and includes a collection of 85-year old Legacy Trees planted when the Garden was created. Research into endangered plants has been partially funded through the State of Florida “Endangered Plant Advisory Council” resulting in a Demonstration Cactus Barren and a Nursery with over 1,500 plants of 150 different species. The Nursery provides plants for the community and diversity outplanting in the Keys.