Coffee Break
We are saddened to share the news that Dick Hammerschlag, a long-time National Arboretum and FONA volunteer, passed away on December 28th, 2023. Dick was a kind, thoughtful person who…
FONA Field Notes
Cultivating Connections
Our Garden Team recently added a new pebble harp to the Nature Explore Classroom (NEC) to complement the other musical instruments in the space. Pebbles dropped into the harp’s slots…
Ringing in the New Year
Thank you for your support in 2023! Whether you donated your time, money, or expertise this past year, you helped us meaningfully connect thousands of people to nature, health, and…
Happy New Year from FONA
Happy holidays and happy new year from everyone at Friends of the National Arboretum! Thank you for being a part of our community. Whether you live nearby and attended a FONA…
A New Chitalpa in Town
The National Arboretum introduced a new tree into the American nursery industry earlier this fall. Strawberry Moon Chitalpa (×Chitalpa tashkentensis ‘Strawberry Moon’) is the result of a cross between Pink Dawn Chitalpa (×Chitalpa tashkentensis ‘Pink…
Artificial Intelligence in Plant Science
Support from FONA members and donors is essential to our work. Their contributions enable FONA to provide direct funding, advocacy, and communications for the National Arboretum. They also empower us to…
Put a Bow On It
Over 2,000 people attended our Winter Festival and Christmas Tree Sale this past weekend! Thank you to all who joined us in celebrating the holidays, supporting local vendors and crafters, and building…
Winter Festival & Christmas Tree Sale this Weekend
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone who contributed to FONA’s Grow the Garden campaign. For Giving Tuesday, generous individuals donated over $13,350. Every donation was matched dollar-for-dollar. Thank…
Sharing Gratitude
As we count down the days until Giving Tuesday (November 28th), can we count on your to help us “grow the garden”? When you donate to FONA’s Grow the Garden campaign on Giving Tuesday, your…
Hot Off the Press
The USDA Agricultural Research Service released a new Plant Hardiness Zone Map today! This map is based on the average annual extreme winter temperature over 30 years. It is a great…
