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
Japanese Spicebush: A Four-Season Woodland Stunner
Fall foliage and flower buds on a Japanese spicebush in the Arboretum's Woodland Garden. (Photo by Niall Dunne)Native to Japan, Korea, and China, Japanese spicebush (Lindera obtusiloba) is a stellar, all-season showstopper. Around mid-March, its bright-yellow,...
Woodland Meadow Project: Public Meeting Dec 7
The current Crabapple Meadow is usable in summer but waterlogged for much of the year.The Woodland Meadow Project reimagines the current Crabapple Meadow (site of the Arboretum's original field nursery) as a year-round gathering and celebration space. While the...
Jim Olsen: Our Volunteer of the Year!
Jim Olsen receiving his award the greenhouse's monthly potluck on Halloween.Congratulations to Jim Olsen, winner of our 2023 Volunteer of the Year Award! Our volunteer programs manager, Lily King, presented the award to Jim at the Pat Calvert Greenhouse’s monthly pot...