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

EVENING HOURS ALL SUMMER LONG

*Excludes June 7, June 14, June 21

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. By taking on an enhanced role with events, programs, communications, fundraising, and more, FONA enables the Arboretum to focus on what it does best: horticultural research and plant conservation.

Dates & Times

  • The Arboretum grounds will stay open until 8 PM every day from June 1st through August 30th.*
  • Last admittance onto the grounds is at 7:30 PM.
  • * Current evening hours exclusions include June 7, June 14, and June 21. Additional dates may apply at the National Arboretum’s discretion.

Gates & Access

  • The R Street entrance will be open from 8 AM to 8 PM every day of the week. Use this address for entry/exit: 2400 R Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
  • The New York Avenue entrance will close at 2 PM on weekdays.
  • 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

capitol columns awash in a summer sunset

Support Experiences Like These

FONA members make experiences like summer evening hours happen at the National Arboretum! Help FONA continue to provide free experiences like these for many years to come. Donate any amount to FONA and you’ll automatically join our dedicated member community.

If you’re already a member — thank you! Please consider making an additional gift to support experiences like summer evening hours and renew your membership early.

Become a Summer Evening Sponsor

Become a Summer Evening Sponsor and support extended evening hours! If you have a special day coming up or want to give a unique gift, sponsor one night of evening hours for $500 and have the whole night dedicated just to you. Or support these experiences all summer long at the $1,000+ levels and get noticed as a business or organization that is committed to green space and a vibrant D.C. community.

Become a Summer Sponsor at the $500 level. Or email donations@fona.org to learn more about sponsoring at the $1,000+ levels.

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.

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UPCOMING EVENTS AND PROGRAMS

Forest Bathing

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RECENT SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS

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