For almost 100 years Awbury Arboretum has existed as a free resource to the people of NW Philadlephia. The 55 acre parcel was donated to be a learning center as well as a nature refuge for area residents. Meeting the requirements to serve and educate have become especially difficult as traditional funding sources have receded. General Manager Chris Van de Velde steps on the soapbox this week to tell us more about the Arboretum and the challenges of trying to re-invent the site to serve people today while staying true to their original mission.

You can learn more about Awbury Arboretum by visiting their website (http://www.awbury.org/) and liking them on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Awbury-Arboretum/119358071258?ref=ts).

The Northwest Soapbox is a platform for the people of Northwest Philadelphia to offer commentary, share news or make a call for action. Each week a different person speaks to issues affecting our community. Want to get on the soapbox? Contact us at: [email protected].