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E.B. Dunn Historic Garden Trust 

Description

The Trust seeks to preserve the 1915 7.5 acre garden, a rare Northwest example of 'Country Place' era Olmsted residential design in North Seattle. On the National Historic Register due to the Olmsted design and the connection with E.B. Dunn, noted Northwest horticulturalist. The gardens are open to the public through docent led tours and seasonal events. The Trust aims to educate and inspire interest in the gardens' conservation by a deep commitment to collaborative events with artists, musicians, historical societies and other gardens. The aim is to build passion for and retain an important natural landscape in Seattle.

Mission Statement
The E.B. Dunn Historic Garden Trust, is dedicated to conserving historically and horticulturally significant gardens in the Northwest. Specific purposes of the trust include: conservation of the Dunn Gardens for the use and enjoyment of the public, conservation of other historically or horticulturally significant gardens in the Northwest; and the public education about the history, horticulture, restoration and preservation of Northwest Gardens.
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E.B. Dunn Historic Garden Trust
PO Box 77126 
Seattle 
WA
98177-0126 
(206) 362-0933 

George Vestal 
Board President 

Programs

E.B. Dunn Historic Garden Trust Programs

Proper maintenance of the gardens is top priority. Curators Charles Price and Glenn Withey work with the board conservation committee to ensure adherence to the spirit of the Olmsted plans and simultaneously build a sustainable, vibrant plant collection.

Education efforts are ongoing with a strong docent training program, classes, workshops, lectures, and outreach displays in the community. Volunteers work in the gardens, both informally and through organized groups (Seattle Works).

The Dunn Gardens work to be a model premier destination garden, in the forefront of a regional movement to conserve significant gardens of the Northwest. "Rooted in history and growing to the future"

Recent Successes and Current Challenges

2009 Recognition by Mayor Nickels for participation in Alaska Yukon Exposition Centennial Celebrations. 2008 Charles Payton Award for Cultural Advocacy by Association of King County Historical Organizations. 2008 Trillium Heritage Award from Shoreline Historical Museum for outstanding heritage efforts.

Funding is needed to support preservation of Heritage Trees and fine plant collections, maintenance of aging structures, construction of resource center, and outreach and education objectives.

Evaluation

The E.B. Dunn Histroic Garden Trust and the Dunn Gardens are in Seattle’s Broadview neighborhood. The Gardens are a good example of a summer estate created by the Olmsted Brothers.

Proven Success
The Garden has made great efforts to engage and educate the community about the garden's history and conservation of gardens. They are on the National Register of historic places and are open for public tours.

They work with school and community groups about local Pacific Northwest horticulture.

They are recognized for their Treatment Plan in garden preservation and recently received an award at the Association of King County Historical Organizations meeting.

Leadership
They are focused on growing their membership, raising the profile of the garden and raising money to support the gardens and their preservation efforts.

They are planning significant outreach efforts to increase their community support. They have implemented several new events and are making good progress toward their goals. Their board is very involved in this work as well as their dedicated team of docents.

Grant History with The Seattle Foundation:

Grants Awarded through The Seattle Foundation Grantmaking Program:

DateAmountPurpose
6/26/2008 $7,500.00support general operating expenses.

Financials

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