ARE YOU CURIOUS BY NATURE?
ARE YOU CURIOUS BY NATURE?
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 building maintenance projects. Our Native Plant Sale supports the Arboretum’s annual Lahr Native Plant Symposium.
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 through 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.
Share the gift of the Arboretum
Use this form to make an online donation to Friends of the National Arboretum. For other donation methods, see our Support page.
Share the gift of the Arboretum
Use this form to make an online donation to Friends of the National Arboretum. For other donation methods, see our Support page.
UPCOMING EVENTS AND PROGRAMS
Forest Bathing
Other Activities
RECENT POSTS
Friends of the National Arboretum Instagram
Where will your #ArboretumAdventure take you this weekend? Explore the National Arboretum’s Asian Collections and admire the myriad of plants and flowers as you wind your way down to the #AnacostiaRiver. What’s your favorite thing you’ve discovered in this collection? . . . Featured flowers: Hydrangea macrophylla Endless Summer ‘Bailmer’, irises unidentified #shareyourarboretum #nationalarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #summer #summerflowers #iris #hydrangea #arboretum #botanical #horticulture #dc #exploredc
The National Bonsai & Penjing Museum is officially open again!! 🎉 Starting June 1, 2021, the Museum will be open 10 AM - 4 PM daily. All outdoor portions of the Museum are open to the public, but the indoor Tropical Conservatory and Exhibits Gallery will remain closed for the time being. If you are not yet fully vaccinated, please wear a mask and maintain at least 6 feet of distance from others both in the Museum and throughout the #USNationalArboretum. Thank you for your patience this past year — our friends at the National Arboretum and National Bonsai Foundation @nbfbonsai are excited to welcome you back to the Museum! . . . #shareyourarboretum #reopening #nationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #summer #bonsai #penjing #museum #dcmuseums #arboretum #horticulture #exploreDC #visitdc #dc
The US National Arboretum lifted the seasonal traffic restrictions on Monday, May 17th. All roads and gates are now open to traffic and operating as normal. Thank you for following these guidelines and helping the Arboretum manage the high volume of visitors this spring — your cooperation was greatly appreciated! Visit the Arboretum's website for the most up-to-date information: https://www.usna.usda.gov/ . . . #shareyourarboretum #nationalarboretum #usnationalarboretum #spring #exploreDC #DC #knowbeforeyougo #pandemic
We have big news to share — Washington Youth Garden is turning 50!! Since 1971, our garden has served thousands of students all over Washington, DC and provided hands-on education to connect youth to food, the land, and each other. To celebrate @washyouthgarden’s 50th birthday, we’re investing in 3 key components to ensure DC children are immersed in inspiring garden programs for the next 50 years: we are redesigning our garden, adapting our School Garden Support program, and deepening our Green Ambassador Program. Check our link in bio to learn more about our projects and how you can join the celebration! Share a story or sentiment that highlights your experience with Washington Youth Garden — we might feature your message in our birthday video! . . . #shareyourarboretum #wyg50 #wyg #growinggreendreams #schoolgarden #DCgrown #community #communitysupportedagriculture #agriculture #urbanagriculture #garden #gardeneducation #washingtonyouthgarden
Washington Youth Garden Instagram
Our garden team harvested 155 pounds of garlic yesterday!! 🧄 This garlic has been in the ground since late October 2020 and now it’s curing (drying for preservation). In a couple weeks we will process it for donation! Garlic is an immune system booster, has anti-inflammatory benefits, and is also super tasty! How do you like to incorporate garlic into your food? #youthgarden #washingtonyouthgarden #wyg @fonarboretum #garlic #urbangardening #dcgarden
We'd like to introduce you to the newest member of our Washington Youth Garden team — our new truck! Our old truck served us well for many years but came to the end of its useful life this past spring. Without a truck, we would not be able to move equipment throughout the Arboretum or our garden-fresh produce into the community for donation. Thank you Bleecker Automotive Group in North Carolina for finding this truck and offering it to us at a great price. This upgraded truck helps our team work much more comfortably and efficiently. . . . #newtruckwhodis #washingtonyouthgarden #wyg #growinggreendreams #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #garden
Come volunteer with us!! We missed having folks help out in the demonstration garden this past year and now we officially have volunteer hours again! We currently have volunteer opportunities on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Get your hands dirty and help us plant, weed, mulch — or see where all the food we grow goes and help us harvest, wash, and process produce! Interested? Please fill out the volunteer form in the link in our bio 🌱 @fonarboretum #volunteering #washingtonyouthgarden #wyg #urbangardening #youthgarden
Today we are highlighting some AAPI owned farms and farmers. Big shout out to these folks for the work they do to help feed so many communities — give them some love and click on their accounts to learn more! This is by no means an exhaustive list so please tag other AAPI farms and orgs in the comments below. To see the text of these images, please visit https://www.commongoodcityfarm.org/blog/2021/5/31/asian-american-farmers This is a post made in collaboration with @commongoodcityfarm 🌼 #AAPI #AAPIfarmers #AsianAmericanFarmers #AAPIheritagemonth #KnowYourFarmers
FONA FIELD NOTES NEWSLETTER
Juneteenth Reflection & Celebration
