Our Work
Volunteer community, maintenance programs, and enhancement projects
The Foundation preserves and enhances the Washington Park Arboretum through a variety of dynamic programs and projects. We recruit and manage a vibrant volunteer community that supports every facet of Arboretum operations—from grounds maintenance to fundraising events. We help fund the salaries of UW Botanic Gardens arborists, gardeners, and environmental educators working in the Arboretum. We fund revitalization projects, such as the restoration of historic Rhododendron Glen, and the creation of new horticultural displays, such as the Pacific Connections Garden. We are also the support organization for the Seattle Japanese Garden in the Arboretum.
Become a volunteer and enjoy everything the Arboretum community offers. Meet great people and like-minded spirits.
Caring for the Arboretum’s plant collection, and ensuring the health and safety of the trees, is a major expense and our biggest pride and joy.
We are funding the restoration of Rhododendron Glen, Lake Washington Boulevard, and other beloved spaces in the Arboretum.
We’re helping children and adults learn about the vital role plants, forests, and wetlands play in the urban environment.
We are the support partner for the Japanese Garden at the Arboretum, managing public programs and volunteers, and raising vital funds.
We fund and support Master Plan improvement projects, including the Pacific Connections Garden and the Arboretum Loop Trail.
News Articles
COVID-19 Response: Arboretum Visitors Update
Visitors Center & Arboretum Shop Now Open! Following a year of pandemic-related closure, the Graham Visitors Center and Arboretum Gift Shop have reopened in a limited capacity. Opening hours for the lobby are Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The shop...
Online Wine Auction Taking Place April 19 to 22!
As we communicated in our gala-related emails, we postponed the wine component of Spring Forward! due to a recent update in state licensing rules. The wine auction will now happen as a separate, mini online event from April 19 to 22. It'll feature 13 exciting wine...
Foundation Receives Generous Bequest from Longtime Volunteer
The Arboretum Foundation has received a very generous bequest of over $300,000 from the estate of Barbara Bonjour. One of our hardest working and most cherished volunteers, Barbara passed away in April of last year. You can read her obituary in The Seattle Times. A...