The first volunteer day at Laurelwood Arboretum brought out an enthusiastic group, who immediately set to work clearing the space that is to be the new Native Plant Demonstration Garden at the Knippenberg Center for Education. Friends of Laurelwood Arboretum (FOLA) welcomes volunteers every Tuesday from until October from 9 am to 12 noon. Volunteers learn alongside the horticultural manager and help to restore and improve Laurelwood’s gardens and beautify the unique Sensory Garden.

To volunteer, please contact Executive Director Elaine Fogerty at fogertyelaine@gmail.com or just come to the arboretum any Tuesday morning and bring gloves, your favorite garden tools, and water. Laurelwood Arboretum is located at 725 Pines Lake Drive West in Wayne. The entrance is presently on Vale Road.

Friends of Laurelwood Arboretum is an all-volunteer organization. FOLA relies on volunteers to help maintain and beautify the arboretum and to work behind-the-scenes to support the organization. Volunteers work in the gardens and greenhouse and serve on the Board of Directors and its committees to help manage the arboretum, plan programs, encourage membership growth, raise funds and much, much more.

FOLA’s  volunteers come from many walks of life and range in age from teenagers to seniors.  A core group are Rutgers Master Gardeners of Passaic County. Each volunteer brings to FOLA his or her own special blend of talents and experience.