Saturday, March 29th: Two events perfect for home gardeners
LAHR NATIVE PLANT SYMPOSIUM + PLANT SALE
FONA & THE ARBORETUM
Friends of the National Arboretum (FONA) was founded in 1982 as an independent 501(c)(3). FONA serves as the primary private partner of the U.S National Arboretum in Washington, D.C. We preserve and enhance this vibrant public space and facilitate experiential programs that instill a love of plants, nature, and the outdoors in all who visit the Arboretum. We also promote the overarching research and education mission of the Arboretum.
Past Accomplishments
We were instrumental in bringing the Capitol Columns to the Arboretum in the early ’90s. We funded the Flowering Tree Walk surrounding the meadow so all people can enjoy its beauty regardless of ability. Our volunteers planted over 30,000 native plants along the Springhouse Run creek to improve the Anacostia River’s water quality.
Current Work
Our Washington Youth Garden is the Arboretum’s largest community outreach program. Revenue from our venue rental program funds the Arboretum Director’s Fund which pays for things like consultants, supplies, and maintenance projects. Our plant sales and seasonal festivals support our mission and connect visitors to the Arboretum.
Future Plans
We developed a new Core Master Plan that provides a blueprint for future projects around the Arboretum. We invest in the future of horticulture by funding internships that support the collections. Our Meyer Kidder Fellows will increase the Arboretum’s research capacity and connect the Arboretum with world-class post-doctoral researchers.
Donate to Join
Make a donation of any amount to become a FONA member. Or give monthly to become a Sustaining Member and support our work all year long!
Donate to Renew
Make a one-time contribution of any amount to renew your FONA membership. Or give monthly to become a Sustaining Member and support our work all year long!
David Fairchild Society
A passionate community of supporters with membership starting at $1,200.
Other Ways to Support
Support FONA through securities, donor-advised funds, planned giving, bench donations, and more.
AWARD-WINNING EDUCATION PROGRAMS
With a focus on serving under-resourced communities, FONA nurtures curious minds and healthy bodies by connecting youth to food, the land, and each other. Our youth education programs take place at Washington Youth Garden on the grounds of the U.S. National Arboretum and in partner schools across Washington, DC. They work with DC educators to create strong, sustainable school garden programs and connect students to garden education. Our programs also provide year-round employment opportunities and green career paths for DC high school students.
STAY IN THE KNOW
FONA’s publications and newsletters share the story of the U.S. National Arboretum and FONA with the world. Our FONA Field Notes newsletter and Stories from the Field articles are just some of the ways we tell this story. See our Publications & Media page to see a full archive of all of our publications.
FONA Field Notes Newsletter
This award-winning weekly email newsletter that shares updates and insights about the U.S. National Arboretum, Friends of the National Arboretum, and the Washington Youth Garden. The newsletter also periodically highlights historical agricultural and horticultural change makers, local community events hosted by partner organizations, and much more. Review our full newsletter archive, or sign up to receive FONA Field Notes in your inbox.
Stories From the Field Articles
This article series highlights the people, collections, and research that make the National Arboretum such a special and important place. We deliver these articles straight to your inbox through our FONA Field Notes newsletter, so there’s no need for extra emails or mail. Review our full article archive, or sign up to receive FONA Field Notes.
Illuminating the ‘Ilex’
How a Blooming Career Took Root: Dr. Margaret Pooler
Unsung Heroes of Summer
UPCOMING EVENTS AND PROGRAMS
Forest Bathing
Other Activities
RECENT SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS
Friends of the National Arboretum Instagram
FONA has graciously supported an important infrastructure project at the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum. The front entrance garden of the Museum is getting a complete makeover. In partnership with the Director of the National Arboretum, FONA provided over $60,000 towards this renovation for new boulders, stonework, and crane work. The Museum was closed for three days last week as the renovations began and the new boulders were moved into place. As its primary private partner, FONA is excited to support infrastructure projects like this one at the National Arboretum. We are committed to building a bright future for the Arboretum, are grateful to all of our members and donors who make this possible. . . . #nationalarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #dc #nationalbonsaimuseum #bonsai #penjing #bonsaimuseum #horticulture #arboretum #dcmuseum
Registration is filling quickly for the 38th annual Lahr Native Plant Symposium! Join the National Arboretum on Saturday, March 29th for a day of engaging presentations. Learn about supporting native pollinators, utilizing native plants in a historic garden, uses of preserved specimens, native plant trials, backyard stormwater management, and ethical foraging. This event is perfect for the home gardener! The suggested registration cost is $95 (or $76 for FONA members), but please pay what you can to attend starting at $50. Link in bio to register today and secure your spot. . . . 📸 #1 by U.S. National Arboretum @usdagov #nativeplants #gardening #nationalarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #dc #dcevent #gardendc #ecosystem #garden #horticulture #arboretum #homegarden #pollinator #symposium
With snowy weather descending on Washington, D.C., the National Arboretum closed early today, February 11th, at 2 PM. For any updates about further closures or delayed openings, please visit the Arboretum's website at USNA.usda.gov (link in bio). . . . #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #dc #dcwinter #snowday #usda #arboretum #snow #winter #dcsnow
Find peace in nature at the National Arboretum. Even though it's located in the heart of D.C., the Arboretum can feel like an urban oasis removed from the city's hustle and bustle. The Arboretum has been voted "Best City Escape in the City" by Washingtonians two years in a row for @washingtoncitypaper's Best of D.C. Admission and parking are free, and the grounds are open from 8 AM to 5 PM every day (except December 25th). The National Bonsai & Penjing Museum is open every day from 10 AM to 4 PM, but is closed on all federal holidays from November through February. . . . #nationalarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #mlkday #inaugurationday #dc #dmv #free #familyfriendly #dogfriendly #nature #arboretum #naturetherapy
Washington Youth Garden Instagram
Saturday’s weather forecast is looking absolutely gorgeous for the annual Bulb Sale & Garlic Planting Party. We hope you will join us in the Washington Youth Garden on October 26th and help us celebrate fall! The main event is from 11 AM to 2 PM in the garden. If you’re a FONA member, come early at 10 AM for a casual member social hour with tea, coffee, and snacks. During the main event, shop for edible and decorative bulbs to plant now for spring blooms. You can also plant garlic in WYG that we will harvest next year, harvest sweet potatoes from the garden, enjoy free family-friendly art activities, food tastings, and more. Gale Livingstone from @deeprootsfarm will also have freshly prepared, authentic Caribbean food with the taste of the islands for sale (make sure to come early in case they sell out). Wearing costumes is highly encouraged! We recommend parking in the Grove Parking Lot, which is a short 5 minute walk from there to WYG. Handicap parking is also available next to the garden in the Fern Valley Parking Lot. Scroll to see a map of where to park, and see link in bio for full event schedule and to learn more. . . . Posted @withregram • @fonarboretum 📸 2 by Kelsey Cochran #nationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #usnationalarboretum #dc #dcevent #dmv #dmvevent #bulbsale #fall #fallgarden #garden #volunteer #garlic #familyfriendly #kidfriendly
Registration is now open for fall field trips to the Washington Youth Garden! FONA's Science Program Reaching OUT (SPROUT) field trips encourage students to explore the garden through activity stations and their own curiosity. Field trips are available from September 16th through November 15th on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, and on Friday mornings and afternoons. Link in bio to register for a field trip today! . . . @fonarboretum #nationalarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #arboretum #washingtonyouthgarden #dcps #fieldtrip #dcteachers #schoolgarden #gardeneducation #fieldtrips #dcstudents #outdoorlearning
We're here to make getting back into your school garden easy! Join us for our 4th annual Fall into School Gardening event on Saturday, Sept. 14th from 11 AM to 12:30 PM in the Washington Youth Garden. Learn how to plant a fall and winter edible garden, get free supplies to start growing outside with your students, and connect with other D.C. educators. Current Educator Coaching Program school teams will meet at 10 AM. Please register to let us know you're coming (link in bio). . . . @fonarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #dcteachers #dcps #schoolgarden #gardeneducation #wyg #growinggreendreams #gardendc #garden
It's time for a picnic party! We're celebrating our new fence, and all the amazing donors and partners who made it possible. Join us in the Washington Youth Garden tomorrow, Saturday, June 8th from 11 AM to 1 PM for our Grow the Garden Party. Here's what to expect: 🥕 Garden tours 🎨 Hands-on garden and art activities, including natural dye and floral jewelry demonstrations with local artists Arrin Sutliff @tint.floral and An-Phuong Ly @anmadethis 🥁 Live music from East of the River Steel Band @eotrsteelband 🍦 Tasty treats from food vendor Paste & Rind Cheese Co @pasteandrind UPDATE: Ana's Twist and Jarabe Gourmet Pops are no longer able to join us for this event Link in bio for more info! . . . @fonarboretum #nationalarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #washingtonyouthgarden #wyg #dc #kidfriendly #kidfriendlydc #dcevents #dmv #dmvevents #familyfriendly #familyfriendlydc #arboretum #youthgarden