Blakehurst Awarded Level 1 Accreditation By ArbNet Accreditation Program

TOWSON, Maryland (December 22, 2023)

Blakehurst in Towson has been awarded a Level I Accreditation by The ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program and The Morton Arboretum, for achieving particular standards of professional practices deemed important for arboreta and botanic gardens. The ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program is the only global initiative to officially recognize arboreta at various levels of development, capacity, and professionalism. Blakehurst is also now recognized as an accredited arboretum in the Morton Register of Arboreta, a database of the world’s arboreta and gardens dedicated to woody plants.

Although conveniently located near the center of downtown Towson, Blakehurst sits on a beautiful 40-acre campus filled with over 50 different species of trees – including paper bark elm (Ulmus parvifolia), numerous Japanese maples including Acer griseum and Acer palmatum sango kaku, and Stewartia pseudocamilia. Periodic tree walks conducted for residents are well attended and enthusiastically received. There is also an annual celebration on Arbor Day open to both residents and the public.

Blakehurst has been the beneficiary of much thoughtful and imaginative planting done long before taking over the property in 1992. As a result, there are a number of trees that have been cited in the Maryland Big Tree Program. In 2013, the Blakehurst arboretum contained three state champions trees, ten Baltimore County champion trees, and one possible U. S. champion tree. Recently, Baltimore County planted over 300 native trees on the property, including sour gums, scarlet oaks, sweet gums, sycamores, and pignut hickories.

Over the last few years, Blakehurst has begun development on a memorial tree walk near the nature trail at the back of the campus. The walk will contain flowering trees that cover the entire blooming period. Although the focus will be on native trees, the first trees planted have been planted with more to be ordered in the Spring. Residents have greeted the tree walk excitedly and anticipate their blooms.

Blakehurst has also begun the process of reviewing the design of its grounds, with a master plan in cooperation with Mahan Rykiel Associates expected to take place over the next two years. An already beautiful campus will be even greater in years to come.

About Blakehurst

Blakehurst has established a reputation as the premier senior living community in the Towson area for the last 30 years. Residents enjoy first-in-class services and amenities, and a wealth of opportunities designed to enrich their lives. One thing they don’t have is worry about the future, thanks to LifeCare®. It’s the most comprehensive plan you’ll find for senior health services, should the need arise. See for yourself and discover what makes Blakehurst the first choice for a happier, healthier you.

About ArbNet
ArbNet is an interactive, collaborative, international community of arboreta. ArbNet facilitates the sharing of knowledge, experience, and other resources to help arboreta meet their institutional goals and works to raise professional standards through the ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program. The accreditation program, sponsored and coordinated by The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois in cooperation with American Public Gardens Association and Botanic Gardens Conservation International, is the only global initiative to officially recognize arboreta based on a set of professional standards. The program offers four levels of accreditation, recognizing arboreta of various degrees of development, capacity and professionalism. Standards include planning, governance, public access, programming and tree science, planting and conservation. More information is available at www.arbnet.org.