Just before classes ended for the summer in June the arboretum hosted educational field trips for all seventh graders in the Tahoma School District.

“Using the arboretum as an outdoor classroom is a wonderful opportunity to introduce the kids to the benefits of a healthy forest,” said Susan Goodell, garden manager .

This is the third year the arboretum partnered with teachers at Cedar River and Tahoma middle schools, leading student learning activities such as identifying plants, noting native vs. non-native species, measuring tree canopy and forest restoration.

“Kids created slash piles in the forest, which become a habitat for small forest animals,” Goodell said. “Some planted sword ferns and cleared out lamiastrum, a noxious weed in King County.”

Because the Tahoma School District is growing, the arboretum needs additional volunteers to assist with student field trips, encouraging kids to learn more through the experience. The next opportunity to volunteer takes place this fall, for the second graders field trip sponsored by the master gardeners. Contact info@lakewildernessarboretum.org or 253-293-5103 if interested.

The member newsletter, Branching Out, is back in publication. The arboretum is sharing the current issue with the public. Visit LakeWildernessArboretum.org to read it, become a member or donate.