Oaks Under Threat In North America

Jerome McDonnell, Murphy Westwood (center) and Lydia Scott
Jerome McDonnell, Murphy Westwood (center) and Lydia Scott Jenny Friedland / WBEZ
Jerome McDonnell, Murphy Westwood (center) and Lydia Scott
Jerome McDonnell, Murphy Westwood (center) and Lydia Scott Jenny Friedland / WBEZ

Oaks Under Threat In North America

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American oak trees are under threat. Several native species are directly affected by climate change and human activities. A new analysis by The Morton Arboretum, Botanic Gardens Conservation International, and the U.S. Forest Service, entitled “Conservation Gap Analysis of Native U.S. Oaks,” shows where researchers, land managers and conservationists can focus their efforts immediately to achieve the most urgently needed conservation actions. We hear about the report from Murphy Westwood, director of global tree conservation at The Morton Arboretum, and Lydia Scott, director of the Chicago Region Trees Initiative and manager of Community Trees Program at the arboretum.

This week, we’re broadcasting from the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois, sharing the beauty and science of the world around us with our listeners.