ARBORETUM FOUNDATION

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.

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.