Mission Statement

The Arboretum and Botanical Garden Committee (ABGC) advises the University of Washington, City of Seattle and The Arboretum Foundation on the management and stewardship of the Washington Park Arboretum for the benefit of current and future generations.

SR 520 Bridge Construction Information

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is considering options for replacing and expanding the 520 bridge across Lake Washington. This construction project will have significant impacts on the Washington Park Arboretum.

Letter & resolution (pdf files) from the Committee urging consideration of less damaging options for the 520 bridge replacement, including the Green Alternative and Arboretum Bypass/Union Bay Alternative.

Arboretum and Botanic Garden Committee position paper (pdf) sent to WSDOT outlining their goals for protecting the Arboretum’s plant collections and natural resources.

Establishment of Arboretum

The 1934 agreement (Ordinance #65130) allowed the Board of Regents, University of Washington, State of Washington, to establish and maintain an arboretum and botanical garden, as defined in the agreement, within then established Washington Park. The original name was University of Washington Arboretum, being changed to Washington Park Arboretum in 1974. The same agreement (ordinance) was approved by the Board of Regents, and State Legislature.

Establishment of Advisory committee

The agreement also "established an advisory committee to be known as the 'Arboretum and Botanical Garden Committee', consisting of at least seven members, three to be appointed by the Mayor of Seattle, three by the President of the University of Washington, and the seventh member to be appointed by the Governor of the State of Washington". In 1985, two members of the Arboretum Foundation were added. "Each of said members shall serve for a term of seven years from the first day of January, next succeeding their appointment, and until their successors shall have been appointed and qualified."

"Said advisory committee shall assist the parties hereto in establishing and maintaining said arboretum and botanical garden, in securing funds for the establishment and maintenance of said arboretum, and plants and seeds for use therein, in interesting people in said project, and in acting as a liason committee between the Arboretum and the various garden and other socieites interested in such Arboretum."

Current Members

Chair: Donald Harris, City of Seattle
Vice-chair: Neal Lessenger, Arboretum Foundation
Secretary: Dr. David Mabberley, University of Washington

Margaret Ceis, City of Seattle
Jack Collins, City of Seattle
Teresa Doherty, University of Washington
Dave Towne, Washington State representitive
Iain Robertson, University of Washington

Correspondence to the ABGC should be sent to:
Sandy Brooks, Coordinator
Seattle Parks Headquarters
100 Dexter Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98103
e-mail: sandy.brooks@seattle.gov