The Wayne Township nonprofit Friends of Laurelwood Arboretum has joined #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving that encourages philanthropy and celebrates generosity worldwide. #GivingTuesday is held annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, the week after the popular shopping events of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. This year #GivingTuesday is on Tuesday, November 28.It will kick off the holiday giving season by inspiring people to support nonprofit organizations in their community.
“By joining this campaign, we hope to reach not only our dedicated circle of members and supporters but the community at large in our efforts to fund two very important projects,” said Alice Moskowitz, President of Friends of Laurelwood Arboretum. “Our beautiful arboretum is open to everyone free of charge, and we are hoping to generate support from a wide circle of donors.”
Friends of Laurelwood Arboretum is promoting the day with the hashtag #LovingLaurelwoodArboretum and a fundraising goal of $5,000 for the Laurelwood Arboretum Plant Restoration Fund and $8,000 for the Laurelwood Arboretum Irrigation Improvement Program. “These two funds can go a long way to helping us maintain and preserve Laurelwood Arboretum as a unique nature preserve,” said Moskowitz.
“Donations to the Plant Restoration Fund will allow us to maintain and preserve Laurelwood’s historic rhododendron and azalea collection and replace damaged and aged evergreens and shade trees,” Moskowitz explained. The arboretum contains more than 500 rhododendrons and azaleas. Some of these mature plants are more than 50 years old. This dedicated fund will make it possible for the horticultural staff to implement a program to maintain, protect, and preserve these plants and begin to replace dead or dying plants. In addition, some of the arboretum’s trees and shrubs are dying of old age; others are storm damaged, diseased, overcrowded, or overcome by invasive vines. “This fund will allow us to revitalize our plant collection so it can continue to be a source of beauty and interest through the seasons,” said Moskowitz
The Laurelwood Arboretum Irrigation Improvement Program will fund Phase 1 of an effort to repair, expand and upgrade the arboretum’s aged irrigation system. A key to maintaining beautiful plantings is regular, effective watering during the growing season. The current irrigation system was installed in the 1950s. It has been repaired and patched many times to keep it operating. Moreover, it does not reach some critical areas. “This dedicated fund will allow us to begin to upgrade and expand the arboretum’s irrigation system,” Moskowitz said. “The result will be healthier plantings throughout the park.”