FONA supports and celebrates the science, beauty, and community impact of the National Arboretum
SUPPORT FONA’S WORK
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.
Restricted Gifts to the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
If you would like to make a restricted donation to the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum at this time, please contact Claire Alrich at 202-918-1868 or calrich@fona.org.
STEWARDING THE NEXT CHAPTER OF THE NATIONAL BONSAI & PENJING MUSEUM
Friends of the National Arboretum is honored to carry forward the legacy of the National Bonsai Foundation (NBF), which will conclude its operations at the end of this month after more than four decades of extraordinary service.
Since its founding in 1982, NBF has been essential to building and maintaining the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum at the U.S. National Arboretum, fostering international goodwill and a deep respect for the art of bonsai.
FONA extends its sincere gratitude to the NBF Board and supporters for their enduring dedication to this living art form. We are deeply mindful of the trust they have put in FONA to sustain NBF’s mission to preserve and promote the art of bonsai in America. The bonsai and penjing collections will continue under the expert care of the U.S. National Arboretum’s staff, as it has since 1976. As part of this transition, NBF will transfer the majority of remaining assets to FONA to directly support the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum and ongoing bonsai education. These funds will be specifically dedicated to the continued care, growth, and improvement of the museum.
This transition was the result of a request from Dr. Richard Olsen, Director of the U.S. National Arboretum, to consolidate nonprofit engagement under Friends of the National Arboretum. This unified approach will streamline communications, expand community engagement, and enrich the visitor experience, while allowing the U.S. National Arboretum to focus on horticultural excellence and discovery.
FONA embraces this new expanded role to support the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum and the U.S. National Arboretum, helping them flourish in the decades ahead. If you are interested in making a restricted donation to the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum at this time, please contact Claire Alrich at 202-918-1868 or calrich@fona.org.
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.
Guide to Saturday’s Winter Festival
Christmas Tree Sale Starts Friday
UPCOMING EVENTS AND PROGRAMS
Forest Bathing
Other Activities
RECENT SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS
Friends of the National Arboretum Instagram
Friends of the National Arboretum is honored to carry forward the legacy of the National Bonsai Foundation @nbfbonsai (NBF), which will conclude its operations at the end of this month after more than four decades of extraordinary service. Since its founding in 1982, NBF has been essential to building and maintaining the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum at the U.S. National Arboretum, fostering international goodwill and a deep respect for the art of bonsai. FONA extends its sincere gratitude to the NBF Board and supporters for their enduring dedication to this living art form. We are deeply mindful of the trust they have put in FONA to sustain NBF’s mission to preserve and promote the art of bonsai in America. The bonsai and penjing collections will continue under the expert care of the U.S. National Arboretum’s staff, as it has since 1976. As part of this transition, NBF will transfer the majority of remaining assets to FONA to directly support the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum and ongoing bonsai education. These funds will be specifically dedicated to the continued care, growth, and improvement of the museum. This transition was the result of a request from Dr. Richard Olsen, Director of the U.S. National Arboretum, to consolidate nonprofit engagement under Friends of the National Arboretum. This unified approach will streamline communications, expand community engagement, and enrich the visitor experience, while allowing the U.S. National Arboretum to focus on horticultural excellence and discovery. FONA embraces this new expanded role to support the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum and the U.S. National Arboretum, helping them flourish in the decades ahead. If you are interested in making a restricted donation to the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum at this time, please contact Claire Alrich at 202-918-1868 or calrich@fona.org. . . . #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #nationalbonsaimuseum #nationalbonsaiandpenjingmuseum #bonsai #penjing #dc #dcmuseum #horticulture
The National Arboretum has turned into a winter wonderland, just in time for FONA’s Winter Festival & Christmas Tree Sale tomorrow, December 6th ❄️ The Winter Festival will take place from 10 AM to 3 PM outside the Visitor Center, and the Tree Sale will take place from 10 AM to 5 PM in the Grove parking lot. While you’re here, come explore the Arboretum’s winter wonders, such as the flowering Camellia Collection, National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, Gotelli Conifer Collection, and more. . . . @dcsquared.dc @dcchildcareconnections #nationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #usnationalarboretum #dc #holiday #holidayseason #holidaymarket #familyfriendly #dcevents #dmv #dmvevents #arboretum #winterfestival
'Tis almost time for FONA's Winter Festival! Next Saturday, Dec. 6th, get in the holiday spirit at the National Arboretum during this fantastically festive event. It will take place from 10 AM to 3 PM near the Arboretum's Visitor Center. Shop from 20+ local artisans in the gift vendor village, take a holiday train ride around the Capitol Columns, and enjoy free family-friendly activities. There will also be a carousel, plenty of hot chocolate, caroling to ring in the holiday season, and much more! Link in bio to learn more about the event. FONA is excited to host the Winter Festival in partnership with DC Squared and DC Child Care Connections. The Winter Festival will kick off DC Squared's "It's a Wonderful Ward" series, a month of holiday events in Northeast D.C. . . . #nationalarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #christmastreesale #treesale #holidaymarket #holidays #christmas #winterfestival #holidayshopping #clothingdrive #holidaytrain #capitolcolumns #vendors #dc #dcevents #dmv #dmvevents #familyfriendly
FONA's annual Christmas Tree Sale begins today! From Nov. 28 through Dec. 7th, buy your Christmas tree, wreath, or garland at the National Arboretum. After you're done shopping, enjoy a relaxing stroll through an Arboretum garden or collection! The Christmas Tree Sale will be held in the Grove parking lot (scroll images for map). Use the R Street gate (2400 R Street NE) to enter the Arboretum after 2 PM on weekdays. Stop by the sale during the following days and times: - Friday, Nov. 28: 10 AM – 5 PM - Saturday, Nov. 29: 10 AM – 5 PM - Sunday, Nov. 30: 12 PM – 5 PM - Monday, Dec. 1 – Friday, Dec. 5: 12 PM – 8 PM - Saturday, Dec. 6: 10 AM – 5 PM (during the Winter Festival!) - Sunday, Dec. 7: 12 PM – 5 PM Thank you for supporting FONA through this important fundraiser! . . . #nationalarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #dcevent #christmastree #christmastreesale #dc #holidays #wreath #garland #holidayevent #christmasshopping @almostheavenlychristmastrees
Washington Youth Garden Instagram
Get outside and move your body in the Washington Youth Garden during our Family Workshop this Saturday, September 20th at 11 AM! Explore the garden as we walk you through some movement activities and playful games. All ages are welcome to join! Please register at the link in bio to let us know you're coming. . . . @fonarboretum #nationalarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #garden #youthgarden #washingtonyouthgarden #wyg #family #familyfriendly #familyevent #familyactivity #familyworkshop #gardenevent #outdoorevent #dc #dmv #freeevent #dcevents #dmvevents #kidfriendly
Come move and groove in the Washington Youth Garden during our upcoming Family Workshop this Saturday, August 23rd at 11 AM. Explore the garden as we walk you through some movement activities and playful games. All ages are welcome to join! Link in bio to register. . . . @fonarboretum #nationalarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #garden #youthgarden #washingtonyouthgarden #wyg #family #familyfriendly #familyevent #familyactivity #familyworkshop #gardenevent #outdoorevent #dc #dmv #freeevent #dcevents #dmvevents #kidfriendly
Calling all families! Join us next Saturday, June 21st for a free family workshop in celebration of Juneteenth! We'll be preparing a tasty harvest-to-table dish with fruits and veggies picked from the Washington Youth Garden. Come out to the garden from 11 AM to 12:30 PM for this special activity. Registration is required — link in bio to sign up. . . . @fonarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #nationalarboretum #dc #dmv #dcevent #familyfriendly #kidfriendly #nature #farmtotable #urbangarden #arboretum #horticulture #washingtonyouthgarden #juneteenth #freeevent
Families, join us for a container gardening workshop on Saturday, May 10th and learn how to container garden! Together, we'll learn step-by-step how to grow fresh herbs or veggies in pots, right in your home. Come out to the Washington Youth Garden from 1 PM to 3:30 PM and have some fun! Link in bio to register. . . . @fonarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #dc #familyfriendly #dcevent #kidfriendly #nature #naturewalk #dmv #dmvevent #arboretum #washingtonyouthgarden