WashU Arboretum earns rare status
Level III arboreta must have at least 500 distinct species of trees; WashU has approximately 750, including 140 of the 150 species native to Missouri. In total, WashU is home to roughly 6,500 trees — 2,000 more trees than just five years ago. To qualify for Level 3, arboreta must meet multiple criteria, such as offering substantial educational programming, collaborating with others and sharing data. WashU’s arboretum is one of 48 recognized as Level III across the world.