Washington Park Arboretum: Sustainability, Resilience, Stewardship

We are: 1) MODELLING SUSTAINABILITY through our
horticultural practices and green infrastructure, and through current efforts
to revitalize our urban watershed; 2) BUILDING CLIMATE RESILIENCE by
maintaining a biodiverse plant collection, growing plants ecologically, and
acting as a sanctuary for imperiled species from around the globe; 3) FOSTERING
THE NEXT GENERATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDS through innovative and inclusive
education, volunteer, and citizen-science programs.
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, we are working on a number
of project initiatives. These include:
• A partnership with the NORTHWEST FLOWER & GARDEN FESTIVAL (February 26 to
March 1, Washington State Convention Center), which—through its seminar
series—teaches home gardeners about sustainable plant and soil care, how to
mitigate against and adapt to climate change, and how to turn their yards into
wildlife habitat.
• Our display garden at the Garden Festival (February 26 to March 1), “GATEWAY
TO A GREENER EARTH,” which highlights the diversity of the Arboretum’s plant
collection and how public and private gardens can be venues for ex situ
(“off-site”) species conservation.
• Our Earth-Day themed gala OPENING NIGHT PARTY at the Northwest Flower &
Garden Festival, featuring Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz as guest
speaker.
• Hosting a CLIMATE CHANGE ARTS FESTIVAL for all ages at the Seattle Japanese
Garden (March 7) with Seattle Repertory Theater and other local arts
organization. The festival’s multi-disciplinary performances with offer
differing perspectives on the climate crisis, as well as inspiring tools to
take action.
• Hosting our annual EARTH DAY AT THE ARBORETUM work-service event (April 25).
Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds will help staff gardeners restore the
park by weeding invasive plants, spreading mulch, and maintaining trails.