The New York Avenue entrance will be temporarily closed on Tuesday, August 19th.

Tuesday, September 9: An unforgettable evening of connection and impact at the National Arboretum

29TH ANNUAL DINNER UNDER THE STARS

Learn More & Purchase a Ticket
Are you curious by nature? Become a FONA member

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.

SUMMER EVENING HOURS

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.

FONA’s summer evening hours are made possible by our members and supporters like you! You can support our work and help us make these a permanent feature at the Arboretum by becoming a FONA member. Donate any amount to FONA and you’ll automatically join our dedicated member community. You can also become a Summer Evening Sponsor. When you become a sponsor at the $500 level, you have a whole night dedicated just to you (or your group)! Or sponsor at a higher level and gain recognition all summer long (email donations@fona.org to learn more about higher level sponsorships).

Important Details

June 1 to August 30: Arboretum grounds will stay open until 8 PM every day

Last admittance onto the grounds is at 7:30 PM

R Street Gate (2400 R St. NE): open daily 8 AM to 8 PM

New York Avenue Gate (3501 New York Ave. NE): open on weekdays 8 AM to 2 PM, open on weekends 8 AM to 4:30 PM

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

View and download a digital map of the National Arboretum

National Bonsai & Penjing Museum closes daily at 4:00 PM

Visitor Center closes daily at 4:30 PM

Restrooms and water after 4:30 PM: Arbor House, Grove parking lot, and Asian Collections parking lot

Vending machines after 4:30 PM: Arbor House

Food trucks will sell food at the Arboretum on select Fridays from 5 PM to 7:30 PM. View our calendar to see the vendor lineup.

If security assistance is needed, call the Arboretum Security at (202) 655-7264

capitol columns awash in a summer sunset
Summer Evening Sponsorship Package
Become a Summer Sponsor at the $500 Level

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.

Learn about our education programs and the Washington Youth Garden

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.

purple flower blooming in the national herb garden during the summer, formatted as a newsletter banner

The Name of the Wind

FONA’s Dinner Under the Stars is unlike any other event at the National Arboretum. Full of connection and…
pink flowers blooming in the herb garden, formatted as a newsletter banner

Dog Days Are Here!

Voting is now open for our Dog of the Year photo contest! Over the next two…
See all of our publications & media

UPCOMING EVENTS AND PROGRAMS

Forest Bathing

Other Activities

Learn more about our events & programs

RECENT SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS

Friends of the National Arboretum Instagram

@fonarboretum

Washington Youth Garden Instagram

@washyouthgarden

keyboard_arrow_up