Rain or shine! Stock up on home and garden plants, browse local vendors, enjoy free family activities
APRIL 26: GARDEN FAIR & 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.
TEMPORARY SPRING TRAFFIC PLAN
Beginning Wednesday, March 26th through mid-May, the Arboretum will implement a temporary traffic plan that impacts traffic flow and parking throughout the grounds. We urge visitors to plan their weekend visit as early in the day as possible or visit on a weekday to avoid crowds.
Click image to view the full map.
- One-Way Traffic Flow: Vehicles will only be allowed to travel one way down Hickey Lane and Eagle Nest Road, beginning at the intersection of Hickey Lane and Valley Road and continuing to the intersection of Eagle Nest and Azalea Roads. Azalea Road will also become a one way lane. All other traffic patterns will remain unchanged.
- Pedestrian Walkway: A pedestrian pathway will run adjacent to vehicle traffic on Hickey Lane, beginning at the intersection of Hickey Lane and Valley Road and continuing to the R Street Entrance.
- On-Street Parking: Vehicles will be allowed to park on one side of the road ONLY in designated areas along Eagle Nest Road, Azalea Road, and Valley Road. Signs will designate where parking is allowed.
Pedestrians and bicyclists are not subject to traffic restrictions, but please take special care when traveling around the one-way loop that is open to traffic.
The adjacent map illustrates the impact of this traffic plan on the grounds. Both the R Street and New York Avenue Entrances will operate as normal. Please drive carefully through the R Street Neighborhood and be respectful of our neighbors when accessing the R Street Entrance. Thank you for driving safely through the National Arboretum this spring.
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.
Guide to the Garden Fair & Plant Sale
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
WE HAVE PLANTS! Plants are starting to arrive ahead of our Garden Fair & Plant Sale this Saturday, April 26th. Need plants for your yard? We got 'em. Need plants for your patio? We got 'em. Need plants for inside your house? If we don't have them, one of our many plant vendors in Vendor Village might have what you're looking for. All of these plants arriving right now will be sold in FONA's Plant Sale tent on Saturday. FONA members get to shop early in this tent from 9 AM to 11 AM, before it opens to the public from 11 AM to 4 PM. The Vendor Village will be open from 9 AM to 4 PM. Link in bio to see all of the plants FONA ordered for sale in the Plant Sale tent. Not a member? Make a donation of any size and become one! Don't miss out on finding your perfect plant. Link in bio to join today. . . . #nationalarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #dc #dcevent #dmv #dmvevent #familyfriendly #plantsale #gardenfair #gardening #gardendc #arboretum
FONA members love plants, and they tend to buy a LOT of them during members-only hours at the Garden Fair & Plant Sale. Rather than wait to see what is left when the Plant Sale tent opens to the public at 11 AM, become a FONA member and shop early starting at 9 AM! Don't miss out on finding your perfect plant at the Garden Fair & Plant Sale on Saturday, April 26th. Donate any amount in the link in bio to become a FONA member and shop early. . . . #nationalarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #dc #dcevent #dmv #dmvevent #familyfriendly #plantsale #gardenfair #gardening #gardendc #arboretum
29 amazing vendors will join our Garden Fair & Plant Sale next Saturday, April 26th at the National Arboretum. Swipe through the photos to get to know them and what they will be selling at the event. In addition to the Vendor Village, FONA will also have thousands of plants for sale in our Plant Sale tent. From 11 AM to 3 PM during the event, @dcchildcareconnections will offer free child-centered, family-focused activities for children ages 2 to 12. Link in bio to learn all about the Garden Fair & Plant Sale. CORRECTION: @deeprootsfarm will have seedlings for sale, not produce. Our apologies for any confusion! . . . 📸 1-4: Matthew Rakola @matthewrakola 📸 5: Kelsey Cochran @wisteria_woman #nationalarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #dc #dcevent #dmv #dmvevent #familyfriendly #plantsale #gardenfair #gardening #gardendc #arboretum #shoplocal #nonprofit #fundraiser
Come see the National Arboretum's bonsai in a new light — the evening light, that is! Join FONA's Board of Directors for a special cocktail reception in the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum on Friday, April 25th at 6 PM. This fundraising event is a great way to support the work of FONA and the U.S. National Arboretum. As its primary private partner, FONA provides public services like hosting community events and managing educational programs so the Arboretum can focus on its scientific research mission. Tickets are selling quickly! Link in bio to purchase tickets. . . . #nationalarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #arboretum #horticulture #bonsai #nationalbonsaimuseum #penjing #bonsaimuseum #dc #dmv #dcevent #dmvevent #fundraiser #cocktailparty
Washington Youth Garden Instagram
Calling all families! Join us on a guided Nature Walk on Saturday, April 12th in the Washington Youth Garden. This is a free and enriching outdoor experience where you and your family can breathe, explore, and unwind together. Along the way, you'll learn fun, hands-on activities that you can take with you to explore on your own. Come out and have some fun!! Link in bio to register. . . . @fonarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #dc #familyfriendly #dcevent #kidfriendly #nature #naturewalk #dmv #dmvevent #arboretum #washingtonyouthgarden
Applications for the annual Summer Institute for Garden-based Teaching are now open! This is a four-day training for D.C. educators from July 15th to 18th. Participants will learn from fellow garden educators about outdoor group management techniques, standards-aligned activities, how to sustain garden programs, and more. All participants will receive a stipend (amount contingent upon final funding). Applications received by April 2nd will receive a notification of acceptance by April 11th. Applications received after April 2nd will be notified of acceptance on a rolling basis until full. Click here to learn more and apply: https://forms.gle/FSrY3pD37HsdFaJs6
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Spring into School Gardening event last weekend! It was a huge success and a great way to kick off spring! Teachers came from across the District to pick up free garden supplies, learn how to plant strawberries and prepare garden beds, and connect with one another. One teacher shared they learned through this event that "all school gardening does not have to look the same." Each school garden has different strengths and challenges to overcome. Our hope through events and programs like this one is to help teachers feel more supported in their school garden work and more connected with others doing the same throughout D.C. . . . #nationalarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #dc #dcps #dcteachers #dcevent #teacher #dceducator #schoolgarden #schoolgardens #garden
D.C. educators, join us for our annual Spring into School Gardening event this Saturday, March 22nd! Stop by the Washington Youth Garden between 11 AM and 12:30 PM and receive free garden supplies, attend a short garden training, and network with fellow educators. Educator Coaching Program partners should arrive at 10 AM. This event is free and open to all D.C. educators. Please register at the link in bio to let us know you're coming! . . . @fonarboretum #nationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #usnationalarboretum #dc #dcps #dcteachers #dcevent #teacher #dceducator #schoolgarden #schoolgardens #garden