LEWISBURG, Ohio (August, 7th 2025) – Wild Hearts African Farm was awarded accreditation as an arboretum, making it the first accredited arboretum in Preble County. This recognition comes through a Level I Accreditation by The ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program and The Morton Arboretum for achieving standards of professional practices deemed important for arboreta and botanic gardens. The ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program is the only global initiative to officially recognize arboreta at various levels of development, capacity, and professionalism. Wild Hearts African Farm is now also recognized in the Morton Register of Arboreta, a database of the world’s arboreta and gardens dedicated to woody plants.
Founded in 2014, Wild Hearts African Farm is a nonprofit Humane Certified™ zoo and now an accredited arboretum located in Lewisburg, Ohio. Our mission bridges animal conservation with land stewardship, emphasizing the role that farmers—both locally and globally—play in protecting ecosystems. The farm is home to over 85 animals representing 35 species, and its landscape includes a variety of native trees, some of which predate the organization’s founding. These trees serve as living reminders of the fragility of native tree populations and the urgent need for conservation and restoration. As an arboretum, Wild Hearts functions as a museum for trees, highlighting biodiversity and honoring the cultural, ecological, and historical significance of woody plants in our region.
The development of the arboretum will be ongoing, with future plans including a campaign to enhance accessibility across both the arboretum and zoo. The campaign will also invite the community to take part in planting trees, installing interpretive signage and benches, and helping with arboretum upkeep. Seasonal events will celebrate the arboretum’s growth, including special programming for Arbor Day and nature-focused educational experiences throughout the year.
“As an educational zoo, we’ve always believed in connecting people to animals and nature. Earning arboretum accreditation allows us to grow that mission—our grounds will now serve not only as a haven for wildlife, but also as a living classroom that helps guests understand the importance of trees, conservation, and global land use,” said Amanda Badger, founder of Wild Hearts African Farm.
See the Wild Hearts ArbNet Listing Here (links and photos)
About Wild Hearts African Farm
Wild Hearts African Farm is a nonprofit Humane Certified™ farm, zoo and arboretum in Southwest Ohio. We provide interactive educational experiences that connect guests to wildlife, conservation, and agriculture. We are proud supporters of farmers and livestock producers and advocate for sustainable land practices both locally and in Africa. Our zoo and arboretum serve as a hub for empathy, curiosity, and community connection through hands-on learning and nature-based programs. https://wildheartsafricanfarm.org/
About ArbNet
ArbNet is an interactive, collaborative, international community of arboreta. ArbNet facilitates the sharing of knowledge, experience, and other resources to help arboreta meet their institutional goals and works to raise professional standards through the ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program. The accreditation program, sponsored and coordinated by The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois, in cooperation with the American Public Gardens Association and Botanic Gardens Conservation International, is the only global initiative to officially recognize arboreta based on a set of professional standards. The program offers four levels of accreditation, recognizing arboreta of various degrees of development, capacity, and professionalism. Standards include planning, governance, public access, programming, tree science, planting, and conservation. More information is available at www.arbnet.org
Our passion for Wild Hearts starts with conservation, education, and community.
Wild Hearts African Farm is operated by volunteers:
Amanda Badger, President, Founder & Director of Wild Hearts Zoological Society
Brian Badger, Director of Conservation and Outreach for the Cheetah Conservation Fund
Dr. Chelsea Staab, Vice President
And Our Board
The Wild Hearts Pledge:
Stay True to Yourself!
Believe you CAN make a difference!
Know you can accomplish your dreams and goals through hard work and dedication!