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
Quest for Gold: Fall Color in Larches
Broadleaf deciduous trees such as maples and sourwoods aren't the only stars of the fall foliage season. Deciduous conifers such as larches and dawn redwoods also dazzle with colors ranging from bright yellow to orange to ruddy brown. Depending on the weather, peak...
Corporate Volunteers Return in Force to Help Restore the Arboretum
Rockwell Automation mulched the Lilac Collection in April with UW gardener Roy Farrow (right).After a year-long pandemic-related hiatus, the Foundation's Corporate and Group Service Program is back in full swing. So far in 2021, eight local companies have sent...
Foundation Receives Generous Bequest
The Arboretum Foundation recently received a bequest of more than $110,000 from the estate of Alec Bayless. A civic activist, lawyer, grape grower, and—with his wife, Ruthanna—world-traveler who lived on Mercer Island, Alec was involved at the Arboretum in the 1980s...