Following our recent Arbnet Level IV accreditation, this September the botanic garden received Garden Accreditation through Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI). This standard assesses public gardens on a very broad range of criteria including leadership, collections management, horticulture, public education, community/cultural activities, conservation actions, scientific research, staff, networking and sustainability. 

"What is really exciting is that the work we highlighted in applying for this accreditation stems from our strategic plan, which aims to align our priorities with those of the broader Smith community. It is so nice to see that those are the same priorities–conservation, education, sustainability, and inclusion–that are being emphasized and celebrated in our global botanic garden community," shared Landscape Curator John Berryhill. We’re grateful for this accreditation from BGCI, a powerful force defining the future of botanic gardens around the globe.