Approximately 10,000 tree species are threatened with extinction. In order to preserve species as important parts of the ecosystem, and for the benefits they bring to people, it is important to better understand them and then to coordinate action to address the major threats. We study the basic ecology and genetics of threatened species in their habitat and in the lab, and then we use this information to inform actions such as seed collection and distribution to other gardens.
Cultivating collaborations that generate knowledge to inform threatened tree species protection and build capacity for tree conservation throughout the region.
Completing threat assessments for key tree groups to prioritize species for conservation and enable policymakers and conservation practitioners to protect threatened trees.
Locating, prioritizing, and proposing amendments to spatial and genetic gaps within ex-situ collections of native U.S. oaks, towards the continued security of each species.
We are using DNA data to further understand the reproductive biology of an under-studied oak, Quercus havardii, which will help inform seed collection strategies and collection management.
We collected acorns from across the range of Quercus havardii and distributed them to partner gardens to grow, research, and showcase this unique oak to the public.
We are quantifying the number of plants and seeds needed to best preserve genetic variation of 10 species of threatened trees in botanical gardens, which will be models for future seed collections.
Working with partners from multiple sectors in Latin America to research and protect threatened tree species, and advance tree conservation across the region
Exchange program between the US and China, bringing environmental education practitioners from across China to the Chicago region to explore and share ideas about how best to communicate the importance and value of the environment and research.
We will determine how much genetic diversity exists in wild populations, botanical gardens, and nurseries of the endangered Texas Salvia pentstemonoides
