This conference was organised by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service, the USDA Forest Service, Western Forestry and Conservation Association, Morton Arboretum, Chicago Botanic Garden, the American Public Gardens Association and BGCI. The purpose of the workshop was to bring together foresters and botanic garden professionals to discuss common interests in tree species conservation, and to explore the opportunities for working together applying interdisciplinary data, knowledge and skills.

by Gerry Donnelly

Friday is Arbor Day in Illinois, a day to plant and celebrate trees. The world needs more trees, and we also need to appreciate and care for the trees already rooted in our communities. Trees need champions.

We love trees for their beauty – from long-awaited spring blooms to spectacular fall color and snow-dusted winter branches – and welcome the shade they provide on hot summer days. Yet, people often take trees for granted, overlooking all they do to improve quality of life and the environment.