June 1 – August 30: FONA will keep the Arboretum open until 8 PM
EVENING HOURS ALL SUMMER LONG
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.
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.
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.
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.
Donate to Join
Make a donation of any amount to become a FONA member. Or give monthly to become a Sustaining Member and support our work all year long!
Donate to Renew
Make a one-time contribution of any amount to renew your FONA membership. Or give monthly to become a Sustaining Member and support our work all year long!
David Fairchild Society
A passionate community of supporters with membership starting at $1,200.
Other Ways to Support
Support FONA through securities, donor-advised funds, planned giving, bench donations, and more.
SUMMER EVENING HOURS
We’ve heard you. You want the chance to visit the National Arboretum after a long day at work. We’re making it happen all summer long! 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. If you’re already a member, please consider making an additional gift and renewing your membership early.
- 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).
Dates & Times
- 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
- * Excludes June 7, June 14, and June 21
Gates & Access
- 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
Facilities
- 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, or apply to be a food vendor.
- If security assistance is needed, call the Arboretum Security at (202) 655-7264
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.
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.
Interns and a Native Plant Grant
UPCOMING EVENTS AND PROGRAMS
Forest Bathing
Other Activities
RECENT SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS
Friends of the National Arboretum Instagram
We wish Dr. Margaret Pooler all the best in retirement! Dr. Pooler, Research Leader of the Arboretum's Floral and Nursery Plants Research Unit, retired last month after over 30 years of service to the U.S. National Arboretum. Dr. Pooler was dedicated to scientific excellence as a woody ornamental plant breeder. She helped advance the development of resilient, climate-smart ornamental plants and breeding technologies that benefit the nursery industry and the public. You might recognize some of the Arboretum introductions she was involved with breeding: ‘First Lady’ flowering cherry, lilac ‘Betsy Ross’, crapemyrtle ‘Arapaho’, among many others. Dr. Pooler mentored and supported other scientists, students, and postdocs while leading large interdisciplinary teams on long-term projects. Under her leadership, FNPRU saw a 60% increase in base funding and success in procuring competitive grants. Admired for her warmth, integrity, and advocacy for science, Dr. Pooler leaves a legacy rooted in both beautiful plants and the thriving teams she helped grow. Her contributions have not only shaped the Arboretum’s future but also strengthened the entire green industry. We wish her the very best in her next chapter! Link in bio to learn more about Dr. Pooler's career. . . . 📸 1-2: Courtesy of the National Arboretum 📸 by Alan Whittemore @usdagov #nationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #usnationalarboretum #dc #horticulture #botany #botanist #horticulturist #scientist #research #plantresearch #nurseryindustry #arboretum #agriculturalresearchservice
The National Arboretum was recently awarded a $25,000 grant from the Perennial Garden Club to restore a section of the Fern Valley Native Plant Collection. This collection showcases the use of native plants in ornamental horticulture and conserves local, native plant germplasm. Funds from this grant will be used to propagate and plant native plants, conduct tree work, create interpretive materials, and host public programs in the collection. Since the propagation of native plants is vastly understudied, the Arboretum will also create a native plant propagation and care booklet based on the lessons learned through this project. PGC members will also volunteer in Fern Valley to support this project. @perennialgardenclubdc is based in Washington, D.C. and is a regional member of @thegardenclubofamerica. It has been a long-time partner of both FONA and the U.S. National Arboretum, and is a strong advocate for incorporating more native plants into gardens. Special thanks to Elizabeth M. Dugan, a member of both FONA’s board and PGC, and Betty Boyle, a long-time supporter of FONA and a PGC member, for their support with this project. . . . @usdagov #nationalarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #privatepublicpartner #horticulture #dc #botanic #arboretum #nativeplant #nativeplants #gardenclub #thegardenclubofamerica #gca
UPDATE! Tonight's Food Truck Friday is postponed due to weather. The National Arboretum will still stay open until 8 PM tonight (June 27th), but no food trucks will be on site due to the chance of rain. @tacodirtytome will instead join us for Food Truck Friday on Friday, July 11th! . . . #nationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #usnationalarboretum #dc #dmv #dcevents #dmvevents #familyfriendly #dogfriendly #arboretum #free #freeevents #eveninghours #nonprofit #summer #dcsummer #arboretum #horticulture #foodtruck
What are tussie mussies? Find out at the next Under the Arbor event at the National Arboretum on Saturday, June 28th from 1 PM to 4 PM! Members of the @herbsocietyphiladelphia will demonstrate how to make tussie mussies and will share the meanings and symbolism of the herbs in them. Visitors can also take a tussie mussie home! This is a free, informal, drop-in event open to the public in the National Herb Garden. . . . @herbsocietyofamerica #nationalarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #dc #dcevents #dcfreeevents #freeevents #horticulture #botany #botanical #herbgarden #herbsocietyofamerica
Washington Youth Garden Instagram
Calling all families! Join us next Saturday, June 21st for a free family workshop in celebration of Juneteenth! We'll be preparing a tasty harvest-to-table dish with fruits and veggies picked from the Washington Youth Garden. Come out to the garden from 11 AM to 12:30 PM for this special activity. Registration is required — link in bio to sign up. . . . @fonarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #nationalarboretum #dc #dmv #dcevent #familyfriendly #kidfriendly #nature #farmtotable #urbangarden #arboretum #horticulture #washingtonyouthgarden #juneteenth #freeevent
Families, join us for a container gardening workshop on Saturday, May 10th and learn how to container garden! Together, we'll learn step-by-step how to grow fresh herbs or veggies in pots, right in your home. Come out to the Washington Youth Garden from 1 PM to 3:30 PM and have some fun! Link in bio to register. . . . @fonarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #dc #familyfriendly #dcevent #kidfriendly #nature #naturewalk #dmv #dmvevent #arboretum #washingtonyouthgarden
Calling all families! Join us on a guided Nature Walk on Saturday, April 12th in the Washington Youth Garden. This is a free and enriching outdoor experience where you and your family can breathe, explore, and unwind together. Along the way, you'll learn fun, hands-on activities that you can take with you to explore on your own. Come out and have some fun!! Link in bio to register. . . . @fonarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #dc #familyfriendly #dcevent #kidfriendly #nature #naturewalk #dmv #dmvevent #arboretum #washingtonyouthgarden
Applications for the annual Summer Institute for Garden-based Teaching are now open! This is a four-day training for D.C. educators from July 15th to 18th. Participants will learn from fellow garden educators about outdoor group management techniques, standards-aligned activities, how to sustain garden programs, and more. All participants will receive a stipend (amount contingent upon final funding). Applications received by April 2nd will receive a notification of acceptance by April 11th. Applications received after April 2nd will be notified of acceptance on a rolling basis until full. Click here to learn more and apply: https://forms.gle/FSrY3pD37HsdFaJs6