The Morton Arboretum will welcome renowned researchers from around the world as the 8th International Oak Society Conference convenes Oct. 18-Oct. 21. Presenters will discuss the latest information on research, management, ethnobotany and conservation of oaks, many of which are keystone species in ecosystems, streetscapes, and gardens around the world.
The inaugural meeting of the International Oak Society was at The Morton Arboretum in 1994, and with this year’s conference, the society returns to the Arboretum to celebrate more than 20 years of history fostering the appreciation, conservation and study of oak trees.
Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from many of the world’s leading oak researchers as well as discuss and contribute to ongoing work in oak conservation taking place worldwide. The conference will also feature workshops in oak propagation, collections management, botanical drawing, arboriculture, and pathology. There are pre- and post-conference tours to regional oak ecosystems of note as well as tours of the Arboretum’s internationally recognized collection of oaks.
Sara Oldfield, former Secretary General of Botanic Gardens Conservation International, will deliver the keynote address, “Saving Trees from Extinction,” at the opening reception October 18, which is open to the public for registration.
For more information or to register, visit mortonarb.org/ios2015 or contact the Arboretum Registrar’s Office at Registrar-ed@mortonarb.org or at 630-719-2468.
About the International Oak Society
The mission of the International Oak Society is to further the study, preservation, propagation, and appreciation of oaks and their ecosystems. The society’s goals include the advancement of scientific knowledge regarding oaks and oak ecosystem ecology. The organization also works to serve as a registrar authority for oak cultivars and to provide information regarding the breeding, propagation, and management of oaks.
