Arboretum Foundation

Mission

The Arboretum Foundation's mission is to create and strengthen an engaged community of donors, volunteers, and advocates who will promote, protect, and enhance the Washington Park Arboretum for current and future generations.

Join in our mission to protect and foster this spectacular public green space and world-class plant collection.

About Us

The Washington Park Arboretum is one of the very few public gardens in the whole country that is not fenced and does not charge an admission fee; our whole community can access these amazing collections and soak in the Arboretum's magic for free. That's where the Arboretum Foundation comes in. Through membership and fundraising, we direct public giving from plant lovers like you towards:

Preservation: The 230 acres that comprise the Washington Park Arboretum require constant care. Your contribution supports the arborists, gardeners, volunteers, and large-scale planning needed to keep the park flourishing, safe, and open to all.

Species Conservation: The Arboretum is more than just a beautiful park-it's a museum and genetic repository for trees! Your donation helps us to cultivate and maintain over 20,000 specimens sourced from all around the globe. Many of these trees are threatened species in their homelands.

Climate Resilience: By growing plants from many different regions, the Arboretum is a valuable tool for evaluating the health and performance of trees and shrubs in a changing climate.

Equipping the Next Generation: Environmental education programs, such as Fiddleheads Forest School—one of a handful of accredited outdoor preschools, our school field trips programs, and our annual summer camps, awaken an understanding and a care for nature in our youngest global citizens.

Thank You!

Thank you for being a vital partner of the Arboretum Foundation community and supporting our mission to care for this uniquely ungated urban greenspace!

Please note:

All gifts received through the GiveBIG campaign are fully tax-deductible.

Donations made through GiveBIG cannot be applied towards new or renewing memberships. For more information please email Anne-Phyfe Palmer, Membership Manager at appalmer@arboretumfoundation.org. To join or renew a membership, call us at 206.325.4510 or visit our website.

If you are considering making a gift through a donor-advised fund, please consult with the fund's sponsoring organization, and inform the Arboretum Foundation of your intended giving method.