The Arboretum of Washington University St. Louis, serving the Danforth Campus and the St. Louis region, earned unique status as a Level III Arboretum by the ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program.
The WashU Arboretum team, led by WashU horticulturist and curator, Chris Anderson, pursued the accreditation program in partnership with campus and arboretum landscape partner, Cody Azotea, account manager with Focal Pointe, a regional leader in sustainable landscaping and campus beautification.
The accreditation is a result of a multiple-disciplinary collaborations within the campus community, including WashU Facilities Planning and Management, Department of Biology faculty and students, WashU Office of Sustainability, and Focal Pointe.
The 169-acre campus arboretum is one of 48 arboreta recognized as Level III across the world, and one of only seven in the United States. Azotea says the carefully curated and managed urban forest of more than 6,500 trees will be a significant factor in meeting WashU’s long term biodiversity and sustainability goals. “The trees are a hardworking, valuable ecosystem. We’re tracking data that quantifies their role in improving air quality, capturing carbon, and reducing water and energy costs,” Azotea adds.
The arboretum’s ultimate goal is to have a world-class collection of all tree species native to Missouri, including threatened and other species that can be conserved and adapted to the St. Louis climate and urban environment.
“This is without question one of the most beautiful college campuses in the world. It’s an honor to work with a global leader in plant research and innovation, and a team with a deeply held passion for conservation, education and public outreach,” said Azotea.
In September 2024, Focal Pointe was awarded the Ralph Wafer Environmentally Sustainable Business Award at the Missouri Coalition for the Environment for its long-standing commitment to sustainable practices and its advocacy for native plants. Currently, Focal Pointe has four team members designated as Grow Native Certified Professionals.
Focal Pointe has a dedicated landscape and horticultural services team on campus full time led by Branch Manager, Michael Kirkoff. To learn more about Focal Pointe’s commitment to celebrate the harmony between people and nature, go to: www.yourfocalpointe.com
Photo Credit: Sid Hastings/WashU
WASHU ARBORETUM
https://source.washu.edu/2024/11/home-to-6500-trees-washu-arboretum-earns-rare-status/
WASHU TREE CAMPUS HIGHER EDUCATION/ARBOR DAY FOUNDATION
https://www.arborday.org/our-work/tree-campus-higher-education
ARBNET ARBORETUM ACCREDITATION PROGRAM
FOCAL POINTE
Established in 1998, Focal Pointe is among the nation’s Top 100 high-growth landscape services companies. It has been recognized as one of the 50 fastest-growing, privately held firms by the St. Louis Business Journal. The company’s commitment to its employees and shared values has earned Focal Pointe several Top Workplace awards from the Saint Louis Post-Dispatch.