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The Lake Wilderness Arboretum Foundation (LWAF)
Overview
The 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:
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Develop and maintain the Lake Wilderness Arboretum in cooperation with
the City of Maple Valley.
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Create educational programs in partnership with the regional community
that will provide opportunities for environmental education.
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Gain regional recognition for the Arboretum
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Provide opportunities for individuals, community groups, and
neighborhoods to enhance their surroundings.
- Collect and propagate plants for the purpose of income, distribution, and study.
Volunteerism
Volunteers are a crucial part of the success of the gardens and trails. The Foundation logs over 7,000 hours of volunteer time yearly and the demand continues to grow. Volunteer opportunities include grant writing, plant propagation, capital improvements, group projects, board membership, marketing and communications, plant sales, educational programs, fundraising, and also maintenance and operations.
Education Programs and Plant Sales
The Foundation holds five educational programs a year which are open to all those interested in exploring their garden knowledge. The plant sales are held the Friday and Saturday of Mother's Day weekend in May, and the second Saturday of September. The Arboretum is open daily from dawn until dusk.Partnering
Partnerships with many local organizations and the Tahoma School District contribute to the success of the Arboretum. The Foundation works with our partners for ongoing maintenance projects, educational opportunities, fundraising, and in-kind donations. The Arboretum Foundation is a member of the following organizations:- Specialty Nursery Association
- Maple Valley-Black Diamond Chamber of Commerce
- Washington Native Plant Society
- Lake Wilderness Preservation Association
- American Public Gardens Association
 Home | |
| Mailing Address: LWAF, Box 72, Maple Valley,WA 98038 | |
| Street Location: 22520 SE 248th Maple Valley,WA | |
| Phones: 425-413-2572 or 206-366-2125 | |
| Permission to copy granted: Webmaster@LakeWildernessArboretum.org | |