The trees that line Stony Brook University's Academic Mall are now officially an arboretum. The university announced on November 4 that its campus collection has earned Level I accreditation from ArbNet, the international program that accredits arboreta, and it will mark the occasion with a ceremonial tree planting later this month.

What an arboretum is, and what Level I takes

An arboretum is a collection of trees and woody plants that is planned, labeled and cared for so people can learn from it. ArbNet, which describes itself as the only international accreditation program built specifically for arboreta, sets four levels of accreditation based on the size and depth of a collection and the program around it.

To reach Level I, an institution has to show ArbNet five things: a written plan for the arboretum, a governing group, at least one staff member or volunteer who manages it, a labeled collection of at least 25 kinds of trees and woody plants, and at least one tree-related event each year that is open to the public. Accreditation is free and lasts five years, and an arboretum can apply to move up a level once it meets the next set of requirements.

Stony Brook's collection

The Stony Brook University Arboretum spans the Academic Mall and the landscapes around it on the main campus. It mixes native trees with ornamental species, and the university describes it as a living collection meant to support teaching, research, conservation and simple enjoyment.

The collection already has tree identification signs and a self-guided walking tour, so a visitor can use the campus the way people use a botanical garden: walk the mall, read the labels and learn what is growing there. The university says the arboretum serves students, faculty and staff as well as visitors, and it plans to keep adding to and improving the collection.

The university's announcement came from its Facilities and Services division, whose vice president, William Herrmann, is also Stony Brook's chief sustainability officer.

The tree planting

The university will hold a ceremonial tree planting to celebrate the accreditation on Monday, November 16, from 12:30 to 1:50 p.m., during Campus Life Time, in front of the Administration Building. If the weather does not cooperate, it moves to Wednesday, November 18, at the same time.

Why it matters off campus

Stony Brook's main campus sits a short drive from the village of Stony Brook, Setauket and Port Jefferson. Accreditation means its trees are now documented, labeled and managed to a published standard, and it puts the campus on ArbNet's list of accredited arboreta worldwide.

For neighbors, it adds a free, outdoor reason to visit a campus many people only drive past on Nicolls Road: a walk among labeled trees, with the fall color still on the branches this week.

Plan a visit

The walking tour, the tree collection and arboretum events are on the Stony Brook University Arboretum site, which also accepts photos submitted by visitors.

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