Program areas at Arboretum Foundation
The Foundation provides annual funding to the university of washingtonbotanic gardens to support ongoing horticultural care and maintenanceto the Washington park Arboretum. This year's funding provided for 2full-time arborists and the equivalent of 5 full-time gardener positions as well as important supplies and equipment.
Education: as part of the Foundation's mission to steward the Arboretum for future generations, it provides volunteer opportunities, educational materials and funds for the k-12 programs run by partners at the university of Washington botanic gardens. Programs include an outdoor preschool, summer camps, school field trips and two different high school intern programs. Funds raised help keep prices low, with scholarships available for all programs.
Capital projects: the Foundation expends funds in support of the Arboretum's master plan, either through granting funds to partners at the university of Washington botanic gardens and the city of seattle, or directly to outside vendors. Projects included the multi-year renovation of rhododendron glen, planning for woodland meadow and japanese garden pavilion improvements, and the replacement of the tsutakawa gates at the entrance to azalea way.
More than 550 volunteers donated approximately 7300 hours for the benefit of the Arboretum during this fiscal year. The Foundation hires staff to coordinate the volunteer garden stewards who care for the grounds, focused on the pacific connections gardens and azalea way. Foundation staff also oversee the volunteer run plant donations nursery and greenhouse which have programs to provide education and plants to the public. Foundation staff also coordinate a full slate of programming at the japanese garden, including arts-focused free first thursdays and programs for children on family saturdays.