September 25, 2026 — The Hendrix College Arboretum has earned Level I accreditation through ArbNet, a global network of arboreta, botanical gardens, and tree-focused organizations dedicated to advancing the planting, study, and conservation of trees.
Founded in 2011 by The Morton Arboretum in collaboration with the American Public Gardens Association and Botanic Gardens Conservation International, ArbNet administers the only international accreditation program created specifically for arboreta. The five-year accreditation connects Hendrix with professional resources, potential funding opportunities, and a global community supporting tree research, conservation, and public engagement.
The Hendrix Arboretum’s accreditation level is based on size, variety of tree species, number of staff, and more. The accreditation is valid for five years, at which point it can be renewed.
The Hendrix Arboretum supports Hendrix's goals of active and life-long learning across the liberal arts. Campus trees contribute significantly to the beautiful landscape for which Hendrix College is known. Trees also serve as a living laboratory supporting students in biology and environmental studies courses as well as for the local community.
“As I have studied the trees on campus and reviewed campus history, it is amazing how integral the development of the campus landscape was in the planning of the buildings on campus,” said Dr. David Sutherland ’81, professor emeritus of mathematics and longtime associate provost who chairs the committee overseeing the arboretum. “They were designed together to create a pleasing environment that supports the goals of the College.”
More information about ArbNet can be found at arbnet.org. The Hendrix College Arboretum listing in the Morton Register of Arboreta can be found at https://arbnet.org/morton-register/hendrix-college-arboretum/.
About the Hendrix Arboretum
In 1965, botanist and biology professor Dr. Thomas Clark developed a census of the tree species on campus, listing 56 species. In June 1995, biology faculty members Dr. Joseph Lombardi and Dr. Joyce Hardin received a grant from the Arkansas Forestry Commission that was an initial step in mapping the trees on the main campus. Working alongside grounds supervisor Jack McDuff, they created an 8-page brochure “Hendrix College Campus Arboretum” containing maps of over 1000 trees of more than 80 species and showing their identifications and locations. Students Jeffrey Johnson ’98, Suzanne McConnell Klug ’98, and Ashley Tolleson Moritz ’98 did most of the early field work on the project.
In 2019, Hardin approached Sutherland about finding an accurate and efficient way to map the tree locations and display them online. Sutherland used Google Earth maps to find GPS coordinates to the larger trees on campus and approximated GPS coordinates for the smaller understory trees.
“Creating the online map has allowed students, alumni, and visitors to learn more about the trees they encounter across campus,” Sutherland said. “The arboretum reflects both the natural beauty of Hendrix and the generations of faculty, staff, students, and friends who have contributed to its landscape.”
Arboretum work continues. Dr. Matthew Reid ’09, botanist and assistant professor of biology, is currently leading students in a project to measure the larger trees on campus.
Currently, the Hendrix campus is home to approximately 150 species. Campus trees have an attached metal tag with an identification number that can be looked up on the Hendrix Arboretum website (arboretum.hendrix.edu), which identifies the tree’s scientific name and common name and includes a photo of the tree. The website was developed by students led by Dr. Mark Goadrich, professor of computer science.
About Hendrix College
Founded in 1876, Hendrix College is featured in Colleges That Change Lives: 45 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About Colleges and celebrated among the country’s leading liberal arts colleges for academic quality, engaged learning opportunities and career preparation, vibrant campus life, and value. The Hendrix College Warriors compete in 21 NCAA Division III sports. Hendrix has been affiliated with the United Methodist Church since 1884. Learn more at via.hendrix.edu.
“… Through engagement that links the classroom with the world, and a commitment to diversity, inclusion, justice, and sustainable living, the Hendrix community inspires students to lead lives of accomplishment, integrity, service, and joy.” –Hendrix College Statement of Purpose