Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo Arboretum Awarded Level 1 Accreditation

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo Arboretum in Bridgeport has been awarded a Level 1 Accreditation by The ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program and The Morton Arboretum, for achieving particular standards of professional practices deemed important for arboreta and botanic gardens. The ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program is the only global initiative to officially recognize arboreta at various levels of development, capacity, and professionalism. Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo Arboretum is also now recognized as an accredited arboretum in the Morton Register of Arboreta, a database of the world’s arboreta and gardens dedicated to woody plants.

Connecticut Beardsley Zoo’s Arboretum sits on 51 acres of trees within Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo. Plantings in the Arboretum reflect a goal of building collections for wildlife value, as well as aesthetic appreciation, with sustainable maintenance and ecological awareness as guiding principles. The Arboretum focuses on native plantings as much as possible to help pollinators, migratory birds, and smaller mammals that live on property.

“This accreditation recognizes the Zoo’s commitment to the preservation of all living things,” Zoo Director Gregg Dancho shares. “Much time, energy, and work go into the conservation of the trees and plants on Zoo grounds, and we look forward to using this accreditation to encourage further education and awareness in our community.”

Zoo Arboretums have unique and creative opportunities when curating their collections such as mimicking the natural habitats that animals live in. Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo has over 350 animals represented that are primarily from North and South America and Northern Asian species. Most recently, the Zoo’s Horticulture team has mimicked the high altitudes of the Andes with evergreen and shade trees in the new Andean bear habitat.

Over the next few years, CBZ Arboretum plans on diversifying the variety of trees on property. “We are currently working with partners in our community to both celebrate this accomplishment and amplify our voices in the mission we share.” Horticulture Manager Jonathan Dancho shares. “This spring, guests can expect new activities at the Zoo’s annual Party for the Planet event as well as tree plantings on Arbor Day.”

Beardsley Park’s design was done by Frederick Law Olmsted, a famous architect known for creating New York City's Central Park and Bridgeport’s Seaside Park. Olmstead was contracted by the city back in 1881 and described the existing land as "pastoral, sylvan and idyllic". Olmstead’s design showcased the site’s large trees, hilltop views, boulder outcroppings, and sloping meadows.

CBZ Arboretum currently has 61 documented tree species in its collection and has created a self-guided educational walking map for guests. This map, collection data, and more information on the accreditation can be found on their website www.beradsleyzoo.org/trees. 

About Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo
Get your ticket to adventure! Connecticut’s only zoo, celebrating over 100 years, features 350 animals representing primarily North and South American and Northern Asian species. Guests won’t want to miss our Amur leopards, maned wolves, Mexican gray wolves, and American red wolves. Other highlights include our new Andean Bear Habitat, Spider Monkey Habitat, the prairie dog exhibit, and the Pampas Plain with giant anteaters and Chacoan peccaries. Guests can grab a bite from the Peacock Café and eat in the Picnic Grove. As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and participant in its Species Survival Plan (SSP) programs, the non-profit Zoo is committed to the preservation of endangered animals and wild habitats. Tickets must be purchased on the Zoo’s website at beardsleyzoo.org.

About ArbNet
ArbNet is an interactive, collaborative, international community of arboreta. ArbNet facilitates the sharing of knowledge, experience, and other resources to help arboreta meet their institutional goals and works to raise professional standards through the ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program. The accreditation program, sponsored and coordinated by The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois in cooperation with American Public Gardens Association and Botanic Gardens Conservation International, is the only global initiative to officially recognize arboreta based on a set of professional standards. The program offers four levels of accreditation, recognizing arboreta of various degrees of development, capacity and professionalism. Standards include planning, governance, public access, programming and tree science, planting and conservation. More information is available at www.arbnet.org.