We're thrilled to announce that Washington State Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz will be our guest speaker at the Opening Night Party & Auction on February 25. As head of the Department of Natural Resources, Commissioner Franz protects and manages nearly six million acres of state lands and is leading the push to make them more resilient to climate change. As we approach the 50th anniversary of Earth Day (April 2020), please join us to hear Hilary's inspiring words about the importance of making our future green.

Last year was another busy one for new plantings in the Arboretum. Notable projects included a rejuvenation of the Viburnum Collection along the Loop Trail and a major expansion of the Australia Entry Garden in Pacific Connections. Significant strides were also made in the Foundation-funded restorations of the Lake Washington Boulevard Corridor and Rhododendron Glen. In the latest Arboretum Bulletin, UW Botanic Gardens Curator Ray Larson describes these and other exciting new botanical additions and where to find them.

In late December, as part of the SR 520 Montlake Project, WSDOT shut down the eastbound on-ramp that runs through the Arboretum wetlands. The 1960s-era ramp will be dismantled and removed. WSDOT opened a new, temporary on-ramp close to the 24th Avenue East bridge, and it will be in service for about two years while construction of the new Montlake interchange is completed. "The removal of the old Arboretum on-ramp reduces our environmental footprint in the Arboretum area" said Omar Jepperson, deputy administrator for the SR 520 Program. "This is a big milestone in our plan to support preservation and enhancement of the Washington Park Arboretum."

The UW Botanic Gardens will host its annual Urban Natural Areas Seminar on Wednesday, January 29 (8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) at the Center for Urban Horticulture. Entitled "Let's Talk About Plants," it features presentations by local experts on the unique challenges and strategies involved in the planning, design, construction, and care of restoration projects within high-density urban areas. The seminar is aimed at garden designers, volunteer stewards, landscape contractors, and ecological restoration practitioners. Fee: $95.