The Yampa River Botanic Park has earned Level 1 accreditation through the ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program and The Morton Arboretum, placing the Steamboat Springs garden among an international network of sites recognized for excellence in tree care, education and conservation, according to a statement released on Thursday. ArbNet is an international community that supports the development and collaboration of arboretums around the world. At roughly 6,800 feet in elevation, the 6-acre park demonstrates how trees can adapt to cold, dry and high-UV conditions. Its collection includes nearly 200 coniferous trees across 16 species and about 300 deciduous trees representing 20 species. Through mindful species selection and expert care, the park’s living collection continues to thrive despite these conditions.