June 1 – August 30: FONA will keep the Arboretum open until 8 PM

EVENING HOURS ALL SUMMER LONG

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.

vintage photo of capitol columns

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.

students harvest carrots from the washington youth garden

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.

visitor center pond during the sunrise

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.

SUMMER EVENING HOURS

We’ve heard you. You want the chance to visit the National Arboretum after a long day at work. We’re making it happen all summer long! Thanks to FONA and the generosity of our supporters, the U.S. National Arboretum will stay open until 8 PM from June 1st through August 30th.* 

This extended access is part of the growing public-private partnership between FONA and the National Arboretum. Summer evening hours are part of FONA’s mission to ensure the Arboretum’s gardens and collections are accessible to the public, particularly the local community, and to connect people with nature.

FONA’s summer evening hours are made possible by our members and supporters like you! You can support our work and help us make these a permanent feature at the Arboretum by:

capitol columns awash in a summer sunset

Dates & Times

  • June 1 to August 30:* Arboretum grounds will stay open until 8 PM every day
  • Last admittance onto the grounds is at 7:30 PM
  • * Excludes June 7, June 14, and June 21

Gates & Access

  • R Street Gate (2400 R St. NE): open daily 8 AM to 8 PM
  • New York Avenue Gate (3501 New York Ave. NE): open on weekdays 8 AM to 2 PM, open on weekends 8 AM to 4:30 PM
  • Parking is free at the National Arboretum
  • The Arboretum is not located on a Metro rail line, but is near Union Station. From there, you can take a bus, rideshare, or bike to the Arboretum.
  • Capital Bikeshare has a hub outside the R Street entrance for bike rentals

Facilities

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 is just one of the ways we tell this story. 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. Sign up to receive FONA Field Notes in your inbox. See our Publications & Media page to see a full archive of all of our publications.

hydrangea in bloom, formatted as a newsletter banner

Spectacular Summer Solstice

Dr. Margaret Pooler, Research Leader of the U.S. National Arboretum’s Floral and Nursery Plants Research…
nigella flower in the national herb garden, formatted as a newsletter banner

Branching Out By Bike

Within its 451 acres of gardens and collections, the National Arboretum has nine miles of…
magnolia blooming in the national herb garden, formatted as a newsletter banner

Summer Event Guide

This Friday’s summer evening hours (June 6th) are sponsored by an anonymous donor in honor…

UPCOMING EVENTS AND PROGRAMS

Forest Bathing

Current Month

Other Activities

Current Month

RECENT SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS

Friends of the National Arboretum Instagram

Washington Youth Garden Instagram

keyboard_arrow_up