Auburn resident Criss Vefik has been a member of the Lake Wilderness Arboretum Foundation’s Board for 10 years.

A commercial account manager for a local insurance company, Vefik likes growing tomatoes in her spare time, which is sparse these days due to her work schedule. She also enjoys being involved with Arboretum activities.

Do you have a favorite Arboretum event?

Yes, the annual plant sales. I love seeing all of the plants and visiting with the vendors.

What’s your favorite Arboretum garden?

The Legacy Garden, because of the history of past volunteers Loie Benedict and Marjorie Baird. It’s not only beautiful but preserves plants they each propagated.

What do you think is the Arboretum’s biggest contribution to the community?

The Arboretum has so much to offer, it’s hard to narrow it down to just one contribution. I would say it’s the opportunity for people in the community to enjoy nature in the middle of suburbia.

The next volunteer Saturday is tomorrow, August 3 from 9 a.m. to noon.

For more information about the Arboretum visit www.LakeWildernessArboretum.org, email info@lakewildernessarboretum.org or call 253- 293-5103.