The end of August marked a new chapter for Cliveden of the National Trust, as the organization was awarded a Level I Accreditation by The ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program.
This recognition underscores Cliveden’s commitment to preserving its historic landscape while fostering deeper community connections.
Cliveden is one of 19 Historic Germantown sites with roots going back to 1763. Once the estate of Benjamin Chew and his family, the institution is now a community-centered space offering a look into history and providing public space for neighbors to gather.
The new accreditation, awarded by ArbNet, places Cliveden among recognized arboreta and emphasizes its role in conservation and public engagement. ArbNet, coordinated by The Morton Arboretum, is the global initiative officially recognizing arboreta for meeting professional standards.
One of the criteria for this awarding is having at least 30 different species of trees.
“It’s another way for us to engage the community,” said Jocelyn Rouse, Cliveden’s Marketing and Development Director, about the new accreditation status. “The grounds actually became a big, big help in us maintaining relationship during COVID when we could not bring anyone inside.”
Rouse also shared that Cliveden plans to expand its programming. She says their spotlight walking tours were fairly popular, so they hope to keep doing them.
She talks about the need for more volunteers, saying, “It takes many hands to maintain the property. [And] there are maintenance things that we do have to do to take care of the trees.”
Rouse explained that as Cliveden steps into its new role as an accredited arboretum, it remains committed to preserving its historic trees while welcoming the community to explore and participate in its growth.
“This is a way for us to say here’s a green space right in the neighborhood that has some information about how our neighborhood came to be,” Rouse shared. “And, you know, we want you here. You are welcome here. We value you.”
For more information about Cliveden and their upcoming events, visit cliveden.org.
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