Local Superstars
Roland M. Jefferson was the first Black botanist and plant explorer at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. His horticultural legacy lives on in cherry trees across America, particularly in those…
FONA Field Notes
Botany Bonanza
Dr. Marie Clark Taylor was a botanist and teacher whose innovative teaching methods continue to shape our classrooms. Taylor became the first woman to receive a PhD from Fordham University in…
Red Roses
Henry Kirklin was a former enslaved person who made waves with his gardening, horticulture, and business skills in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Originally hired by the University…
Legacies and Looking Forward
George Washington Carver was a renowned Black agricultural scientist from the first half of the 20th century. Carver’s work on soil regeneration, crop rotation, and composting were decades ahead of…
Tree Time
Did you know that, despite the pandemic, FONA hosted 12 weddings last year? We have already booked many more than that for 2021 — but there are still some dates left!Our…
Winter Growth
Thank you to everyone who supported FONA in 2020. Whether you became a member for the first time, attended a forest bathing walk, or donated to our David Fairchild Society, your…
Fresh Start to a New Year
Happy new year from our FONA family to yours! May you find peace and joy in nature in 2021 and beyond. We are grateful for your support, especially during this…
Our 2020 Impact
In 2020, FONA shifted its focus to grow and donate fresh produce, coordinate safe outdoor activities, and offer multi-sensory programming to support students, families, and teachers.
Holly-Days
The U.S. National Arboretum has one of the largest and oldest assemblages of cultivars of American holly (Ilex opaca) you’ll find anywhere today.
Evergreens
The Gotelli Conifer Collection in the Arboretum’s northeast corner is one of the world’s largest collections of dwarf conifers.Before you visit this collection and enjoy its evergreen splendor, learn how Arboretum scientists are using these…
