Strategic Plan
The Arboretum’s fiscal year 2026-2030 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2030) strategic plan is built on the foundation of our mission, vision and values. The strategic plan guides our work by defining goals and aligning resources to achieve them.
From the Executive Director
The University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum thrives today through its affiliation and partnerships across the University, and through formative and vibrant community engagement and support, which serves to connect people to the beauty, wonder and the essential value of plants to life on earth.
Building on a legacy that includes 117 years of research and 67 years as a public garden, the Arboretum is thrilled to share our 2025-2030 strategic plan. Our ambitious new plan builds on our organization's strong foundation and legacy, advances our mission-critical work and reach in our community and fosters collaboration to amplify our impact now and into the future.
Shaped through an inclusive community-driven approach, the planning process engaged staff, trustees, volunteers, members, donors, partners and the broader community. Together, we’ve articulated a shared vision for the Arboretum’s future — one that integrates our strengths with the transformative potential of collaboration, innovation and community engagement. The plan blends aspiration with action, is grounded in data shaped from a wide range of perspectives and prioritizes impact that matters. From this planning process emerged a strategic plan grounded in three core commitments:
- An integrative approach that connects science, nature and community to deepen understanding and inspire action.
- A collaborative philosophy that strengthens partnership across disciplines and with the broader communities that we serve.
- A values-driven foundation that guides our work, supports our people and advances equity, excellence and environmental leadership.
This strategic plan executive summary provides a high-level overview of the plan’s core elements — our vision, mission, values and organizational goals. Together, these components form a cohesive framework that will inform our decisions, align efforts for cross-functional initiatives and inspire meaningful action to amplify our impact. As we move forward together, this plan will serve as a living roadmap — anchored in purpose, responsive to change and committed to shaping a resilient and inclusive future for generations to come.
Andrew Gapinski
Executive Director
Peter J. Olin Endowed Directorship
University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum &
Horticultural Research Center
Excellence
We generate and share exemplary knowledge, experiences and spaces.
Wonder and Curiosity
We cultivate exploration, inquiry, learning and the joy of discovery.
Collaboration
Inclusivity
We build community connections and welcoming environments that foster belonging.