About UsThe Lake Wilderness Arboretum Foundation (LWAF) is a nonprofit organization that is the steward for the Lake Wilderness Arboretum under a Joint User Agreement with the City of Maple Valley. We maintain the Lake Wilderness Arboretum in a way that preserves, protects, and displays Northwest ecosystems as well as cultivated landscapes. LWAF is managed by a Board of Directors that operates per a set of approved bylaws.
The Foundation's ongoing maintenance and improvements to forested areas, trails, and gardens help provide a setting where visitors can enjoy and study both natural and cultivated settings in an otherwise urban area. With the rapid loss of open space and environmental learning opportunities, the Arboretum trail system and gardens provide a unique opportunity for those who visit.
As part of our stewardship, the Foundation also promotes horticultural science and conservation and provides educational opportunities in those areas.
Our Vision
Our vision, as defined in our "Vision 2010" document, is that the Lake Wilderness Arboretum will be a:
- Showcase of Northwest ecosystems and cultural landscapes which promote horticultural science, and provide opportunities for educational and recreational experiences.
To realize this vision, or strategy is to:
- Develop and maintain the Lake Wilderness Arboretum in cooperation with the City of Maple Valley.
- Create educational programs in partnership with the regional community that will provide opportunities for environmental education.
- Gain national recognition for the Arboretum
- Provide opportunities for individuals, community groups, and neighborhoods to enhance their surroundings.
- Collect and propagate plants for the purpose of income, distribution, and study.
