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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.
Share the gift of the Arboretum
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.
Learn about our education programs & Washington Youth Garden
UPCOMING EVENTS AND PROGRAMS
Forest Bathing
Other Activities
RECENT POSTS
Friends of the National Arboretum Instagram
There's just a few tickets left for our last garden tour of the year! Join us this Friday, December 13th at 10:30 AM for a tour of the Arboretum's Gotelli Conifer Collection. One of the most unique horticultural displays at the Arboretum, the Gotelli Collection offers a special beauty in the winter months. This fascinating collection contains a range of colors, forms, and textures that are sure to leave you in awe of the diversity of conifers. Tickets are $20 — see the link in bio to purchase yours today! . . . #nationalarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #dc #dcevent #dmv #dmvevent #horticulture #gardening #garden #conifer #conifers #gotelli #arboretum #horticultural
THANK YOU to everyone who donated to FONA last week for Giving Tuesday. With contributions ranging from $5 to $2,500, each of these generous donations will help FONA connect people to science, nature, and well-being at the National Arboretum. Thank for believing in our mission and for supporting our commitment to the Arboretum and our community. Each of these Giving Tuesday donations was also matched dollar-for-dollar. This was made possible by a group of devoted friends who provided a $50,000 matching fund. This matching opportunity isn't over. All donations from Giving Tuesday through the end of the year will be doubled up to $50,000. If you make an end-of-year gift before midnight on December 31st, your impact will be doubled. . . . 📸 #1: Beth Haubach 📸 #2: @jasondixsonphoto and @neefusa_org #givingtuesday #givingtuesday2024 #gratitude #nonprofit #thankful #community #donation #fundraiser #nationalarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #dc #nonprofit
Don't miss two BIG events at the National Arboretum on Saturday, December 7th! From 10 AM to 4 PM, stop by the New York Avenue parking lot for FONA's Christmas Tree Sale. When you buy your Christmas tree, wreath, or garland from the sale, 10% of your purchase is donated to FONA. @zekescoffeedc will have hot beverages for sale, and FONA will have additional gifts for sale. At 11 AM, stop by The Gove for the National Arboretum's unveiling of the new exhibit, "The Men Who Made the Arboretum". This exhibit will document the experiences and honor the contributions of the members of Civilian Conservation Corps Co. 1360. Cupcakes will be available for the first 200 attendees. Parking is available adjacent to the event in the Grove parking lot. We hope to see you there! . . . 📸 #2 courtesy of U.S. National Arboretum @usdagov #nationalarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #dc #dcevents #history #exhibit #usda #usdaars #arboretum #ccc #civilianconservationcorps
New job alert! ✨ The U.S. National Arboretum is hiring a Supervisory Horticulturist at the GS-12 level. This position will work with the Public Horticulture & Engagement Unit leader and management team. They will implement and advance the Arboretum's strategic vision and goals as they relate to horticultural maintenance of living collections and grounds management. This position is based out of the Arboretum's main campus in Washington, D.C. Applications will close on Wednesday, December 11th. Link in bio to learn more and apply. . . . @usdagov #nationalarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarobretumdc #hiring #arboretum #horticulture #garden #agriculture #botanic #dc #dcjob #arboretumjob #usda #usdaars #federaljobs
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
FONA FIELD NOTES NEWSLETTER
Our award-winning weekly FONA Field Notes newsletter provides timely updates on the National Arboretum, FONA, and the Washington Youth Garden. See our all our past newsletter issues, in addition to our other publications and magazines, on our Publications & Media page.
How a Blooming Career Took Root
Christmas Tree Sale this Weekend
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