The Arboretum at UK receives global accreditation
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 14, 2026) — The Arboretum, State Botanical Garden of Kentucky at the University of Kentucky has been recognized for its achievements and dedication to horticulture and native plant conservation — receiving accreditation by the ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program and The Morton Arboretum.
ArbNet is an interactive, collaborative, international community of arboreta and the only global initiative to officially recognize arboreta based on a set of professional standards. Today, the program recognizes more than 700 accredited arboreta globally.
The Arboretum, State Botanical Garden of Kentucky is now an accredited arboretum in the Morton Register of Arboreta, a database of the world’s 2,500 plus arboreta and gardens dedicated to woody plants. The 100-acre public garden located on the campus of the University of Kentucky showcases Kentucky landscapes and serves as a resource center for environmental and horticultural education, research and conservation.
“ArbNet Accreditation highlights The Arboretum’s commitment to horticulture and conservation, and our commitment to serve the people and communities of Kentucky through our mission,” said Scott Smith, The Arboretum director at the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. “Accreditation is a significant step on our path to excellence and distinction at The Arboretum. It is worth noting that accreditation is not only about great botanical collections, but is also based on excellence in community education and programming.”
The Arboretum began in 1991 as a joint effort between the University of Kentucky and the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government. In March 2000, The Arboretum was named the Official State Botanical Garden for the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The Arboretum welcomes over 200,000 visitors annually.
To learn more about The Arboretum at the University of Kentucky, visit https://arboretum.mgcafe.uky.edu.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.