FOUNDATION INFO AND HISTORY
FOUNDATION INFO
MISSION STATEMENT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Role of the Board of Directors
The Foundation’s Board of Directors is working hard to build a strong future for the Garden. Board members serve on the Design Committee, which sets design parameters and policies to ensure a healthy, aesthetically pleasing environment. Others serve on the Community Relations or the Fundraising Committees in pursuit of community support to pay for the Garden’s operating and capital expenses. Still others help with the important organizational responsibilities that make the Foundation a sound fiscal operation. Board members share a fiduciary responsibility for the Garden’s annual budget and financial operations.
Time Commitment
The HBGF Board meets on the first Wednesday of each month at the North SeaTac Park Community Center. Each Board member is asked to join at least one committee that may meet for another 1–2 hours at least every other month. From time to time, volunteer assistance working in the garden is suggested, and Board members contribute time and energy to such special events as plant sales, fundraising/marketing events, and the volunteer appreciation luncheon. On average, Board members give 4–6 hours per month to the organization.
Funding Commitment
All HBGF Board members are expected to support the Foundation as Patrons (a $100 annual commitment) and are encouraged, although never pressured, to contribute at a higher level. Since the Board recognizes that not every member is able to make a major financial contribution to the Garden, Board members are asked to help with raising funds. This can consist of everything from inviting possible donors to visit the garden, help organize a fund raising event, or even write a grant.
Satisfaction
Every Board member of the Highline Botanical Garden Foundation shares the joy of watching the Garden grow, bringing beauty to an area that has needed a place of respite for a long time. Surrounded by SeaTac International Airport, parts plants, and neighborhoods of families who have come to love the Park, the Highline Botanical Garden is a magical place.
CURRENT BOARD
Position
Board Term: ONGOING
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Name is a <school> graduate, with a <degree> in <Field of Study>. She enjoys <hobby>.
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Board Term: ONGOING
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Name is a <school> graduate, with a <degree> in <Field of Study>. He enjoys <hobby>.
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Board Term: ONGOING
Name
Name is a <school> graduate, with a <degree> in <Field of Study>. She enjoys <hobby>.
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Board Term: ONGOING
Name
Name is a <school> graduate, with a <degree> in <Field of Study>. She enjoys <hobby>.
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Board Term: ONGOING
Name
Name is a <school> graduate, with a <degree> in <Field of Study>. He enjoys <hobby>.
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Board Term: ONGOING
Name
Name is a <school> graduate, with a <degree> in <Field of Study>. He enjoys <hobby>.
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History of Highline Botanical Garden Foundation
1996 – 2016
began a planning process that would result in the construction of a third runway at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. As part of its planning process, the Port identified properties for demolition adjacent to the proposed third runway, among which was the home and garden of Elda and Ray Behm.
Elda began planting her garden in the early 1960s on a shy acre located on a bog which sat in the shadow of the proposed third runway. The Port of Seattle negotiated with the Behms to purchase their property which would result in demolition of the house and garden.
in the Burien and SeaTac communities came together to save the garden. Through the assistance of Stephen Lamphear, then a Burien City Council Member and numerous other volunteers, the concept of a regional public garden blossomed. Through the leadership of Mr. Lamphear, the Highline Botanical Garden Foundation was incorporated, a Board of Directors formed, and an agreement was established with the City of SeaTac to develop 11 acres in North SeaTac Park into a public garden which would become the Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden. He and Kay Lasco, who would later become a SeaTac City Council Member, developed a business plan for the early days of the Foundation, and enlisted the help of local volunteers to begin the process of re-locating Elda’s Paradise Garden from her home to the new public garden.
was ironically also affected by the Airport’s development. In the 1950’s a neighborhood of homes on the site were purchased by the Port of Seattle and demolished to create a safety zone for the first runway at SeaTac Airport. Shrubs and orchard trees remain on the site today as a reminder of the original homes located there.
Another local volunteer, Greg Butler was working on his degree in landscape design from the University of Washington. He developed the Garden’s initial master plan as part of his graduation requirements. The master plan provided a design into which the Paradise Garden could be transplanted as plants were moved from the Behm home to the new location.
collection included native species, many kinds of Rhododendron and other interesting plants. She worked tirelessly along with her good friend, Jolly Eitelberg and continued to return to the Garden to work into her 92nd year. Elda was determined to have a water feature in the Paradise Garden because she had enjoyed one at her home. She worked with the Board of Directors and John Russell of Russell Water Gardens to install a re-circulating stream with four waterfalls and a pond. The water re-circulates to create an ecologically balanced water feature. Her last project in the Garden was the installation of a Shade Garden. She and Jolly created a pathway within the Paradise Garden that features ferns, hostas, trilliums and other shade-loving plants. Elda died in 2008 at the age of 94. In early 2012, an interpretive sign honoring Elda and telling the Paradise Garden story was dedicated in the Paradise Garden.