Publication released! Conservation Gap Analysis of Native U.S. Oaks

The Morton Arboretum is pleased to announce the release of the Conservation Gap Analysis of Native U.S. Oaks. They would like to thank everyone who participated in this endeavor, which they hope will drive future partnerships, collaborations, and, ultimately, the successful preservation of our diverse native U.S. oaks, both in situ and ex situ.

With funding from the USDA Forest Service, and in collaboration with Botanic Gardens Conservation International U.S., The Morton Arboretum assessed the conservation status and needs of native U.S. oaks, to inform a broad audience of stakeholders. Of the 91 native U.S. oak species, their study identified 28 as species of conservation concern, based on factors such as habitat destruction, susceptibility to climate change, and lack of representation in ex situ collections. Each of these at-risk species is analyzed in a detailed species profile, providing specific recommendations for in situ and ex situ conservation actions. By providing actionable recommendations and a list of stakeholders currently engaged in conservation efforts for the 28 U.S. oak species of conservation concern, this report aims to catalyze efforts to preserve our native oaks for generations to come.

Read more about the major findings of this report on The Morton Arboretum website.

Please email Amy Byrne, Global Tree Conservation Assistant (abyrne@mortonarb.org), or Murphy Westwood, Director of Global Tree Conservation (mwestwood@mortonarb.org), with questions. 

You can listen to Murphy talk about this project to Jerome McDonnell on the WBEZ Radio website. Look for the item “Oaks Under Threat In North America”.