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.