Research to "forward the understanding" (including discovery, inventory, conservation, propagation trials, and horticultural introduction) of plants within Mediterranean and Pacific Rim floras including collections from South Africa, Australia, California, New Zealand, Chile, temperate South America, and "Laurasia" and of special botanical and horticultural interest including succulents, conifers, bulb-forming plants, basal angiosperm taxa, and of plant groups of modern research interest. Research initiatives are collaborative and focus on contributing to the preservation and conservation of plants and their supporting habitats. The Arboretum provides leadership, expertise, and resources to conservation efforts through educational and cooperative programs with campus partners and in local and international collaborations and partnerships

The Arboretum is dedicated to forwarding the understanding, appreciation, and conservation of the evolutionary diversity of plants and their environments to sustain high quality of Life on earth.

Vision Statement for 2005-2020
"In 2020, the Arboretum of the University of California, Santa Cruz campus is a recognized campus and community institution and an affirmed leader in plant conservation efforts regionally and internationally. The Arboretum works cooperatively and collaboratively with the UC Santa Cruz to inspire students and draw visitors into the natural world, teaches the essential role of plants in maintaining a high quality of life for all living beings, and is the premier botanical and horticultural information and resource center on the Central Coast of California promoting public awareness of plants, conservation of resources, and healthy environments. As a major outreach arm of the UC Santa Cruz, the Arboretum inspires environmental stewardship through the expert and knowledgeable staff and volunteers, its programs in research contribute to the advancement of scientific understanding, its education programs raise the awareness of teachers and students in the importance of plants and their conservation, and promotes sustainable and responsible actions of regional citizens at their homes and in their communities."