The University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum pinus collection: a valuable resource for research, education and conservation

Abstract

The University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum's Pinus collection is an important global resource for plant conservation and was accepted into the North American Plant Collection Consortium (NAPCC) in December, 2011. The NAPCC is a program of the American Public Garden Association in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the National Arboretum. The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum has the official responsibility of collecting and preserving the Pine Collection and the genetic resources it represents. The 271 managed specimens in the collection have high conservation value and more species will be added as wild collected seed from known locations are incorporated into the collection. The Arboretum's Pinus collection functions to meet the 5 main objectives of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation(GSPC): 1. Plant diversity is well understood, documented and recognized. 2. Plant diversity is urgently and effectively conserved. 3. Plant diversity is used in a sustainable and equitable manner. 4. Education and awareness about plant diversity, its role in sustainable livelihoods and importance to all life on Earth is promoted. 5. The capacities and public engagement necessary to implement the strategy have been developed.