Meeting attendees enjoy the picnic portion of the event on the Visitors Center terrace.
On the beautiful evening of June 18, nearly 80 Foundation members, partners, and friends gathered to celebrate another remarkable year at the Arboretum. Our 2025 Annual Meeting offered the opportunity to reflect on our collective achievements, express gratitude, and look ahead to an exciting future.
Interim Executive Director Elizabeth Lunney kicked off the celebration with a heartfelt message of appreciation for our community of members, donors, and volunteers. Membership continues to grow—a strong sign of support for the Arboretum and its mission. From Talks & Tours to Music in the Arboretum, our events this year have brought together plant lovers, community members, and garden newcomers alike.
Elizabeth shared stories of recent transformational support that is already making a visible impact. This year marked the final phase of a historic $6 million investment from the Aldarra Foundation, whose generous giving over the past seven years has fueled vital restoration and education work across the Arboretum. Their final grant of $2.2 million, combined with additional funds from an anonymous donor, helped launch a new Sustaining Fund—ensuring continued support for horticultural and educational programming in partnership with UW Botanic Gardens.
A new Sustaining Fund will ensure continued support for horticultural and educational programs.
Thanks to an award from King County’s 4Culture program, through Doors Open, the Foundation also received multi-year funding to strengthen public engagement and scientific contributions. We received a three-year award of more than $100,000 per year, recognizing the Arboretum’s public benefit and contribution to science. As a living museum, we are a place for the stewardship and study of rare and endangered plant species.
We also received an additional Doors Open grant to support free and reduced cost admissions at the Japanese Garden. And, at our evening of celebration, Japanese Garden Programs Manager Chie Iida offered a glimpse into a year of growth and cultural connection. Record-breaking attendance, new exhibitions, student tours, and 102 traditional tea ceremonies helped the Garden continue its role as a cultural and educational cornerstone. Volunteer Unit 86, which leads public tours and supports signature events like Moon Viewing, was also recognized for their generosity and dedication.
Outgoing board members Steve Alley, Connor Barclay, Joanna Thiagarajan, and Beverly Song.
During the business portion of the meeting, Treasurer Jeff Lehman reported on the Foundation’s continued financial strength. Jeff broke down our 2024 fiscal-year spreadsheet, published in this year’s Annual Report, and highlighted our 2023–24 contribution of $1.17 million to our University and City partners. Using trend graphs, Jeff showed the Foundation’s strong fiscal health over the past five years.
Governance Committee Chair John Reed honored four outgoing board members and introduced six outstanding new board candidates—each bringing valuable experience in law, finance, real estate, marketing, and community leadership. The full slate was unanimously approved by Foundation members.
The Foundation’s public partnerships were a key theme throughout the evening. State legislators helped secure capital budget funding for the Pacific Pathway Trail—an accessible new route that will open up more of the Arboretum to visitors of all abilities. A big thank you to Senator Jamie Pedersen and Representative Joe Fitzgibbon for their advocacy and support of this vision.
Our slate of new board members, unanimously confirmed during the meeting.
Seattle Parks and Recreation Superintendent AP Diaz spoke about the importance of safe, vibrant green spaces, and shared exciting news: after years of delays, caused by the COVID pandemic, the Waterfront Trail Project on Foster Island can move forward. And, earning a collective cheer from the audience, Superintendent Diaz highlighted a recent finding from the Trust for Public Lands that ranked Seattle’s park system as the 8th-best in the United States. He talked about his work with the United Nations Environmental Program and the importance of Seattle Parks to climate adaptation and resiliency.
Board President Maribeth O’Connor shared a hopeful vision of the Arboretum’s future. A once-in-a-generation opportunity is on the horizon: the return of a 28-acre peninsula to the north end of park, newly available after the 520 bridge construction. We’re looking forward to reimagining this space in a way that honors the Arboretum’s legacy while welcoming the next century of visitors.
Foundation members, partners, and friends enjoying a light meal on the terrace after the meeting.
To close out the evening, attendees heard a moving speech from UW Botanic Gardens Director Christina Owen. Christina highlighted the importance of gardens in the human experience. We visit gardens, she said, to find peace and healing. We mark important milestones in gardens—we get engaged here, married here, and we come here to remember our loved ones who have been lost. And when we can’t get to a garden, we bring flowers with us to celebrate and remember. Places like the Arboretum are critical to our health and vitality, and we’re so lucky to have such a leading example of a remarkable garden in our own backyard.
As the sun dipped behind the trees and guests enjoyed a summer picnic on the terrace, the spirit of the evening was clear: gratitude for what’s been accomplished and excitement for what’s to come. Thank you to all who joined us—and to all who continue to support this beloved place.
—Kristina Ciari, Arboretum Foundation Interim Communications Director
