About Us Established in 1967 by the Central District of the Washington State Federation of Garden Clubs (36 garden clubs in all), the Yakima Area Arboretum is a non-profit organization supported by the generosity of its members and sponsors, and through the hard work and dedication of its staff and volunteers. The Yakima Area Arboretum is a living museum, of over 1000 specimens of trees, forbs, grasses and shrubs, on 46 acres of land managed as collections, display gardens and natural areas. The Arboretum's purpose is to educate, demonstrate, and inspire an appreciation of native and adapted non-native plants in an atmosphere of beauty and relaxation. The Arboretum encourages sound arboricultural practices, sustainable gardening and community participation. Board of Directors President: Meredith Bruch Vice President: Julie Johnson Secretary: Leslie Wahl Treasurer: Hanna Keyes-Nowlin Past President: Doug Cairns Directors: Nina M. Barcenas, Patty Clark, Sue Kegley, Terry Kline, Duward Massie, Stu Simmons, Curt Vangstad, and Laura Willett Life Trustees: Helen Garretson, Lacey Gentry, Yoshio Hata, Helen Jewett Shields Arboretum Staff Co-Executive Directors: Jheri Ketcham & Colleen Adams-Schuppe Office Assistant: Gaye McCarthy Program Assistant/Fresh Science Coordinator: Suzanne Tarr Naturalist: Michelle Lester Groundskeeper/Maitenance: Jeff Neal Caretakers: Bob & Joie Howell Contact us for more info