FONA Field Notes

Friends of the National Arboretum stands with, and stands for, the U.S. National Arboretum. We are committed to supporting the National Arboretum and to being the best private partner possible for…

FONA has graciously supported an important infrastructure project at the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum. The front entrance garden of the Museum is getting a complete makeover. In partnership with the Director of…

Susan Chapin, Director of Community Events, retired at the end of 2024 after nine years of working at FONA. When Susan joined the team in 2016, she oversaw FONA’s operations…

Registration is now open for the 38th annual Lahr Native Plant Symposium! Join the National Arboretum on Saturday, March 29th for a day of engaging presentations about native plants, pollinators,…

Looking for a bright spot in the winter landscape? The National Arboretum’s Holly Collection dazzles. With about 1,400 individual living plants in the gardens, and over 10,000 preserved specimens in…

The National Arboretum has recently welcomed several new members to their team. At FONA, we are excited to see the Arboretum’s team grow, and look forward to working with our…

Thank you for your support in 2024, and for helping us end the year strong! We are especially grateful to the anonymous, dedicated friends who provided a $50,000 matching fund at…

As we prepare to step into the new year, we want to take a moment to reflect on some major accomplishments for FONA in 2024: We hosted 1,800 students on…

Happy holidays and happy new year from everyone at Friends of the National Arboretum! Thank you for being a part of our community and for making the National Arboretum such a…

As 2024 comes to a close, we are already planning how we can connect people to science, nature, and well-being at the National Arboretum in 2025. Mark your calendar now for…