Envisioning Kansas State University as an accredited arboretum with a climate-ready tree collection

Abstract

Climate change poses a significant threat to the survival and prosperity of trees in Kansas and beyond (Esperon-Rodriguez et al. 2021, Matthews et al. 2018, Mao 2021). As the climate becomes increasingly unpredictable and extreme, numerous tree species will find it challenging to adapt and manage the emerging threats and changing conditions. Anticipated rapid changes in conditions include; drought, shifting hardiness zones, heat zones, increased growing degree days, severe storms, and the emergence of new pests and diseases (Esperon-Rodriguez et al. 2021, Matthews et al. 2018, Primack and Miller-Rushing 2009, Rakow and Lee 2011). Given Kansas's changing climatic conditions and uncertainty about the long-term survival of its existing, regionally adapted trees, there is a pressing need to develop and study an expanded palette of suitable tree species. This project aims to create recommendations for the establishment of an accredited arboretum with a dedicated climate-ready tree collection at Kansas State University (KSU) to disseminate groundbreaking knowledge about trees tailored to Kansas's anticipated end-of-century climatic projections. This study included precedent studies of notable University arboreta were conducted to understand their arboretum components. A survey of subject matter experts from the Kansas Forest Service to understand the current and future challenges, public concerns, and research needs regarding trees in Kansas. A site inventory was performed to understand factors within each of the five K-State campus landscape typologies investigated that could inform the future species selection and placement of new trees within each typology. A climate evaluation examined recent and projected variables related to tree growth and survival across the United States to understand the implications for Kansas by the end of the century and to identify regions that recently exhibit the climatic projections for Kansas. By identifying regions with recent similar climatic conditions, informed decisions were made regarding selecting tree species suited for Kansas’ future. These findings offer insight into what efforts are needed to establish an accredited arboretum with a climate-ready tree collection at Kansas State University. This work provides recommendations that would reinforce KSU's commitment to its land-grant mission by serving as a platform for propagating novel tree information and exemplifying its dedication to education and outreach.