Lone Star College System Earns National Arboretum Accreditation

The multi-campus system's tree-filled landscapes recognized for educational and sustainability impact.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 3:56am

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An abstract, impressionistic photograph of a blurred, sun-dappled campus landscape with trees and walking paths, conveying a sense of tranquility and natural beauty.The LSCS Arboretum's network of tree-filled campuses contributes to the region's sustainability and provides an interdisciplinary learning resource for students.Houston Today

Lone Star College System (LSCS) has been awarded Level II accreditation by the ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program and The Morton Arboretum, recognizing its development as a multi-campus arboretum and its contributions to education, sustainability, and community engagement across the Houston metropolitan area.

Why it matters

The LSCS Arboretum spans seven campuses, mapping and documenting the region's diverse tree species to support long-term stewardship of campus landscapes. In a rapidly urbanizing environment, these green spaces contribute to heat mitigation, habitat support, and climate resilience.

The details

The arboretum reflects the ecological transitions of the region—from coastal prairie and wetlands to pine-hardwood forests—and includes a wide range of native and adapted tree species. The project supports course-based activities, student projects, and co-curricular engagement, and is being actively developed as an interdisciplinary resource for students across a range of programs.

  • Lone Star College System received the Level II arboretum accreditation in April 2026.
  • The community can learn more at the Sustainability Day Summit on April 20, 2026 from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

The players

Sarah Morgan

LSC-CyFair professor of biology and environmental sciences, and LSCS Arboretum Committee co-lead.

Ruth McDonald

LSC-CyFair adjunct ESOL professor, whose vision initiated and guided the arboretum's development.

Lee Ann Nutt

LSC-Tomball president, who provided system-level leadership for the initiative.

Buck Buchanan

LSC-CyFair geography professor, who provided GIS mapping and technical documentation.

Mike Tolman

LSC-CyFair facilities supervisor, who offered arborist and horticultural expertise.

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What they’re saying

“ArbNet accreditation gives us both recognition and momentum. It strengthens our ability to grow the arboretum as a shared, living, interdisciplinary resource—one that supports student learning, sustainability and deeper connections between our campuses and communities. More importantly, it marks the beginning of what we can build together.”

— Sarah Morgan, LSC-CyFair professor of biology and environmental sciences, and LSCS Arboretum Committee co-lead

What’s next

The community can learn more about the LSCS Arboretum at the Sustainability Day Summit on April 20, 2026, where students, faculty, and sustainability experts will gather for panel discussions, networking, and interactive displays.

The takeaway

The LSCS Arboretum's national recognition highlights how a multi-campus network of green spaces can serve as an interdisciplinary educational resource, support regional sustainability, and foster deeper community connections in an urban environment.