About FOLA

Friends of Laurelwood Aboretum (FOLA) is a grassroots membership organization consisting of a volunteer Board of Directors, volunteer legal, financial and horticultural advisors. With over 200 members and advisors, FOLA is growing in size and influence, although we are still a relatively new organization.

In 2005, we were approached by Wayne Township to formally assume the daily horticultural maintenance of the Arboretum, which became effective in late 2006. This responsibility requires a small horticultural and administrative staff. Funding from Wayne Township is used for directly related expenses required to maintain the Arboretum according to Township requirements. Although Mrs. Knippenberg left a bequest to the Township, which was earmarked for upkeep of the Arboretum, FOLA does not have direct access to that funding or its custodianship. Funds raised by FOLA through plant sales and memberships are used to raise awareness and increase membership through publicity, a newsletter and other communications such as this web site.