Let's hit the green ⛳! Wonder Woods Mini Golf is officially open 🌳! 🍄 From giant mushrooms to larger-than-life bugs and acorns, Wonder Woods brings the Arboretum’s tree science to life in fun and unexpected ways. 🏌️‍♀️Tag your putting partner below and get tickets: https://bit.ly/4jymu7q. (fb)

🌳 Exciting news as we mark this International Day for Biological Diversity. The Arboretum was recently designated as a member of the IUCN. This recognition elevates the Arboretum’s role in global conservation efforts. IUCN develops global conservation policies and practices that protect our planet's plants, animals, and their habitats. As a member, we will now have a voting role to drive pivotal motions in this work. We will participate in the IUCN World Conservation Congress in October in Abu Dhabi, voting to define IUCN policy for the next four years and elect the next International Council. The Arboretum is among several arboreta and botanical gardens designated as IUCN members. As a leading institution for on-the-ground tree conservation work, the Arboretum works to safeguard biodiversity and protect threatened and endangered tree species, like Quercus hirtifolia. Found exclusively in Mexico’s Sierra Madre Oriental mountain range, this oak species listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species plays a vital role in its ecosystem, often forming an understory that helps prevent erosion on steep slopes. First known to science in 2004, Q. hirtifolia faces significant threats, primarily from climate change and local deforestation for fuel. A 10-year Conservation Action Plan for Q. hirtifolia was recently published by the Arboretum and its partners, detailing the species' habitat, distribution, threats, and conservation priorities. 🌱 There are several conservation actions currently underway for this oak species, including an active propagation program. Seed has been collected from three populations and over 2,000 plants have been propagated to date. Q. hirtifolia is also found in 10 managed botanical collections worldwide. Our partners at Puebla University Botanic Garden, pictured here with Q. hirtifolia seedlings, began cultivating the oak species at their institution in 2018. Currently, less than 10% of Q. hirtifolia’s native range is within protected areas. Increasing the species' representation in protected areas has been identified as a high conservation priority. Learn more about the conservation efforts underway: https://bit.ly/3Ha3s9v. 📸: Maricela Rodriguez (fb)