This year, the Arboretum Foundation is joining with UW Botanic Gardens to form a new non-profit entity, Seattle Botanic Gardens. As we embark on this exciting transition, we held our final annual meeting as the Arboretum Foundation at the Graham Visitors Center on June 17.
The event provided a bittersweet opportunity to look back at the accomplishments of the past year and celebrate our 91-year history and legacy as the support organization for Washington Park Arboretum.
Seattle Botanic Gardens’ new CEO, Dr. Christina Owen, was our emcee and opening speaker, and she highlighted the impact that Arboretum Foundation members and donors have had on key programs in the park in 2025–26, including children’s education, horticulture, and volunteering. She also thanked the Foundation community for its invaluable support of two current capital projects—the Japanese Garden Ishigaki Wall and the Pacific Pathway—both of which will improve accessibility for visitors at the south end of the Arboretum.
Arboretum Foundation Board President Maribeth O’Connor thanked UW Botanic Gardens, Seattle Parks and Recreation, and the Native American Advisory Group for their partnership and guidance over the past year. She also commended our staff, board, and volunteers for their dedication and hard work.
Board Vice President Peter Rees provided a brief history and overview of our Foundation and its core impact on the Arboretum. Grounded in decades of active volunteerism, this legacy includes helping create and care for a world-class plant collection; supporting scientific discovery and the sharing of that knowledge through education programs for young and old; and working constructively with our long-term partners “to maintain a special place where nature can thrive in a real city.”
During the business portion of the meeting, we acknowledged the influential work of five departing Board members: Larry Hubbell, Sanjay Kumar, Jeff Lehman, Bill McGee, and Marlyn Ward. We also voted in five new Board members: Bruce Cady, Warren KingGeorge, Craig Miller, Melanie Roberson, and Alon Torres. (You can read short bios of all our Board members.)
Dr. Owen concluded the meeting with a look ahead to our bright future as Seattle Botanic Gardens, which unites three locations and their many programs: the Arboretum, Seattle Japanese Garden, and the Center for Urban Horticulture.
“As we move into our next chapter, we have an incredible opportunity to amplify our impact across our three locations. Through engaging experiences, inclusive access, and leading botanical research, we are primed to deepen understanding of plants and ecosystems, inspire shared stewardship, and protect biodiversity for generations to come. We invite you to grow with us as we evolve into Seattle Botanic Gardens!”
As it has for many years, the Annual Meeting ended with a light supper on the patio of the Graham Visitors Center and a chance for lovers of the Arboretum to mix and mingle. Thanks to all our members and partners who joined us for the event!
