75th Anniversary Event Series
The year 2009 marks the 75th year since the Arboretum was officially established, in a joint agreement between the City of Seattle and the University of Washington. To celebrate our platinum anniversary, the three partners at the Arboretum—UW Botanic Gardens, Seattle Parks and Recreation, and the Arboretum Foundation—are co-hosting a series of special events throughout the year, including tours, lectures, soirees in the park, and more.
History of the Arboretum: Read about the birth and development of Seattle's favorite public garden.
Olde-Time Picnic in the Arboretum
Saturday, July 18, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Crabapple Meadow, Washington Park Arboretum
Families are invited to pack their own picnics and bring them to Crabapple Meadow, just a short walk down Arboretum Drive from the Graham Visitors Center. At the meadow, an array of old-fashioned entertainments—including musical performances and field games—will be provided for your picknicking pleasure. Free hotdogs and icecream will also be provided, while supplies last! The picnic will evoke America in the 1930s and transport visitors back to the days when the Arboretum first opened to the public.
Admission and parking are free.
The Arboretum is the perfect spot for a picnic!
(Photo by Joy Spurr)
“Park in the Dark” Family Program
Saturday, July 25, 7 to 9 p.m.
Meet at the Graham Visitors Center
Explore the Arboretum after dark. Learn about the adaptations of nocturnal animals and see the gardens in whole new light during this special family adventure. Become a bat or moth, test your sense of smell, and use your "Deer Ears" to hear night sounds. Games and activities are designed for families with children ages 6 to 12. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required. Email or call Jean Robins at 206-685-8033 to register or for more information. Fee: $6 per person.
Future "Park in the Dark" dates: Saturdays, August 22, September 26, October 31.
Arbor Eatae Summer Garden Parties
Washington Park Arboretum
Sundaes on Thursday
Thursday, July 30, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Educational tours of the Arboretum, plus delicious hand-crafted ice cream. Sponsored by Snoqualmie Gourmet Ice Cream.
Art in the Park
Thursday, August 6, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Local artists display works with botanical and natural history themes. An optional wine and cheese tasting will be available for $25 per person (reservations required for wine tasting).
For more information, or to participate in the wine tasting, call Suzanne at the Arboretum Foundation at 206-325-4510 or email sparlier@arboretumfoundation.org.
Participating Artists:
T.J. Anderson
Maria Freiberger
Wade Garretson
Alisa Lahti
Lynne McFarland
Lisa Snow Lady
Maria P.P. Root
Rachel J.E. Sprague
James W. Sutherland
Julia White
Participating Wineries:
:Nota Bene Cellars
O-S Winery
Camaraderie Cellars
Cedergreen Cellars
Kayak Tour of Foster Island
Friday, August 14 and Saturday, August 15
Multiple tours will be held throughout the day!
Take a leisurely paddle around Marsh and Foster Islands at the north end of the Arboretum, and explore part of the largest remaining wetlands in the City of Seattle. Hear about the natural history of the wetlands and see a diverse array of water-loving plants and wildlife on this guided tour. Sponsored by Agua Verde Cafe & Paddle Club.
The Olmsted Legacy of the Arboretum
Thursday, October 29, 7 to 9 p.m.
Center for Urban Horticulture
Join Brooklyn Botanic Garden president and UW alumnus Scot Medbury for this illuminating lecture. Scot will discuss the role of the famous Olmsted Brothers landscape architecture firm in the design of Washington Park Arboretum.
The Center for Urban Horticulture will host an "Open House" before the lecture, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Get a behind-the-scenes look at this much-admired facility.
Special Thanks to Our 75th Anniversary Series Sponsors!
Agua Verde Cafe & Paddle Club
The Berger Partnership PS
The Portico Group
See information about our plant sales.
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