11/9: FALL 5K

Meet Susan Bentz, the woman quietly making a big impact in the Floral and Nursery Plants Research Unit of the U.S. National Arboretum. From battling invasive pests to mentoring the next generation of scientists, Susan Bentz’s work over the past 40 years at the U.S. National Arboretum is helping to keep our trees — and our cities — greener. Read FONA's new "Stories from the Field" article (link in bio) to learn more about Susan Bentz's contributions to the American nursery industry through her career at the National Arboretum. . . . 📸 courtesy of @usdagov #nationalarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #science #horticulture #arboretum #nursery #plants #botany #botanical #usda #usdaars #plantscience #horticultural

FONA is doing what we can to support the National Arboretum, our program partners, and our community while the Arboretum remains closed due to the lapse in federal funding. Our SPROUT field trip program pivoted to bring field trips into classrooms, rather than bringing classes into the @washyouthgarden at the Arboretum. Since our Educator Coaching Program works within D.C. partner schools, rather than at the Arboretum, this work has continued without interruption. FONA staff are supporting the many events happening right now across the five partner schools. We want to share our immense gratitude for our federal Arboretum colleagues. Many of them are currently furloughed during the shutdown. A very limited number of Arboretum staff are allowed on the grounds to water critical collections, including specimens in the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum. Today and every day, FONA is grateful for the Arboretum staff's service in making the National Arboretum a world-class center for horticultural research, education, and innovation. . . . 📸 #1 Capitol columns, by @photographybyjoshp 📸 #2 FONA food tasting event at a partner school 📸 #3 Arboretum staff at the 2025 Dinner Under the Stars, by @photographybyjoshp #nationalarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #dc #dmv #gratitude #schoolgarden #governmentshutdown #governmentshutdown2025 #arboretum #horticulture #federalshutdown #federalshutdown2025

Want to grow your passion for bonsai? The National Arboretum is currently accepting applications for the 2026 bonsai apprenticeship. This unique opportunity prepares aspiring horticulturists with the knowledge needed for a career in bonsai collection management. The apprentice will be involved in the day-to-day care of a storied collection of historic bonsai and will receive one-on-one instruction from National Bonsai & Penjing Museum staff to develop skills in the styling and maintenance of bonsai. This paid, full-time, temporary position starts in March 2026 and ends in November 2026. It is based at the National Arboretum in Washington, D.C. Applications will be accepted until November 1, 2025. Link in bio to learn more and apply today! . . . @usdagov #nationalarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #dc #hiring #jobposting #job #bonsai #bonsaimuseum #penjing #nationalbonsaimuseum #apprentice #apprenticeship #nationalbonsaipenjingmuseum #dcmuseum

The U.S. National Arboretum is currently closed due to the lapse in federal government funding, and will reopen once Congress restores funding. The National Arboretum is a horticultural research facility administered by the USDA Agricultural Research Service. FONA’s visitor events and educational programs that take place at the National Arboretum are on hold while the government is shut down and the Arboretum is closed. If you have signed up for an event or program, FONA staff will reach out to you directly about the event’s status. FONA staff will continue to work remotely to support our federal National Arboretum colleagues and our community. Please visit FONA’s website (link in bio) for the most up-to-date information during the shutdown. . . . #nationalarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #dc #dmv #governmentshutdown #governmentshutdown2025 #arboretum #horticulture #federalshutdown #federalshutdown2025