Botanic gardens are critical to the effort to minimize the loss. They provide science, collections, conservation, breeding and public outreach and education. Rare species can be sustained and protected in a botanic garden even if lost in the wild.

Oaks are of particular importance to Morton Arboretum’s work.  They are a keystone species in many forests in the Northern hemisphere and have economic and cultural importance. Over 20% of oak species worldwide are critically endangered or endangered. 50% are threatened or vulnerable.

The Arboretum works with partners globally doing conservation planning, conservation research with a goal of population recovery and restoration. If is critical they work with the local populations to maintain their economies while finding ways to protect vulnerable trees.