Fall 2025 Appeal

Support the Spectacular!

There are so many spectacular things about the 230 acres of our Washington Park Arboretum. Two of them are the arborists: Shea and Lincoln.

On a recent tour, Shea and Lincoln led our group to a towering swamp chestnut oak with a dead branch that hung over the trail, presenting a risk to visitors. They carefully explained each step of the pruning procedure, and then Shea climbed 50 feet up, saw in tow, while Lincoln remained below, directing and ensuring each movement was safe for everyone. The precision, trust, and coordination between them were striking—and the branch was removed from the tree without harm.

The Arboretum is home to approximately 5,000 trees, each with a story, in the care of experts like Shea and Lincoln, who make it possible for countless people to enjoy the wonders of nature.

From the hands-on expertise of our arborists to the vibrant arts and education programming that bring people and plants together, so much of what happens at Washington Park Arboretum relies on donations to the Arboretum Foundation.

Will you contribute to our Annual Fund this fall? Together, we can nourish the roots of our community and protect this beautiful place, where tree lovers of all ages feel like they’ve come home.

Barbara Wright
Board Member and Advancement Committee Co-Chair
Arboretum Foundation

P.S. Your contribution connects people to trees and to each other. Make a gift of any size by October 20 to receive a “You Belong at the Arboretum” sticker. New donors of $100 or more will also receive a coupon to pick up an Arboretum tote, while supplies last!

Lincoln (foreground) and Shea removing a hazardous bigleaf maple in the Woodland Garden.