|
Chattanooga Arboretum and Nature Center Certification Level
Under the Tennessee Arboretum Certification Program, Chattanooga Arboretum and Nature Center is certified as a Level Four Arboretum.
Tennessee Arboretum Certification Program
The Tennessee Urban Forestry Council (TUFC) and the Tennessee Federation of Garden Clubs, Inc. (TFGC, Inc.) joined efforts in 2000 to certify Arboreta throughout the state of Tennessee. The purpose of the certification program is to define what the word "Arboretum" means in Tennessee and set standards for what can be called an Arboretum for public educational purposes.
General Requirements (For the five year certification)
- The site must be open to the public.
- Management practices must be in place to protect trees from maintenance damage.
- Protective examples include: employee training, mulch or herbicide treatment.
- Plant establishment should exemplify modern planting and protection methods.
- Tree labels should be of a type that will not cause significant damage to the tree. Labels should be mounted in the ground or attached to the tree via a screw or other non-damaging approved method. Note: nailing labels to trees is not acceptable.
- All labels must have the common and botanical name.
- All tree labels must be at a readable height and maintained in good condition.
Arboretum Level Requirements
Level 1
- 30 different species of trees must be labeled.
Level 2
- 60 different species of trees must be labeled
- A pamphlet must be available for self-guided tours.
Level 3
- 90 different species of trees must be labeled
- A pamphlet must be available for self-guided tours
- Volunteers, part time and/or full time personnel must be available for special tours.
Level 4
- 120 different species of trees must be labeled
- A pamphlet must be available for self-guided tours
- Volunteers, part time and/or full time personnel must be available for special tours.
- The arboretum must have a newsletter with at least two issues per year.
Arboretum Categories
- Demonstration / Research
Arboreta in this category were designed to increase the visitor's knowledge of trees. These arboreta illustrate or explain tree related issues such as what species grow in this area, how to plant the right tree in the right spot, and how to identify trees.
- Nature Trail / Garden
Arboreta in this category are designed to bring the public outdoors to enjoy the aesthetics that nature provides. These arboreta usually are designed to educate the public about different tree species. Most arboreta in this category do not offer additional education besides tree identification.
|
