With a new director and president, the Lake Wilderness Arboretum Foundation could have a busy year ahead.

“I think 2013 is an exciting year for the Arboretum,” said Noel Paterson, who became president of the Lake Wilderness Arboretum Foundation in November. “Our goal is toincrease volunteers and awareness within Maple Valley and neighboring cities.”

Paterson said one of the ways the Arboretum educates visitors is through free guided walks. From April to October tours leave from the Arboretum gazebo at 10 a.m. on the third Saturday of each month, led by trained volunteers called docents.

Docents can also plan group tours on specific dates or cater a tour to special interests.

“We also provide education and work experience opportunities for students in the area,” Paterson said.

For those interested in volunteering as a docent, the time commitment is about four to eight hours a month from January to October.

Our next event is the Annual Spring Plant Sale May 10-11.

Lake Wilderness Arboretum is located at 22520 S.E. 248th in Maple Valley. Open daily from dawn to dusk, the 42 acres showcase landscaped gardens and a forest reserve with walking trails. Visit LakeWildernessArboretum.org for more information. Reach Arboretum staff at info@lakewildernessarboretum.org or 253- 293-5103 to volunteer or donate.

Special docent tours can be arranged by emailing tours@lakewildernessarboretum.org.