FONA & THE NATIONAL 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 support and celebrate the science, beauty, and community impact of the U.S. National Arboretum through education, engagement, and access to nature.
Photo courtesy of the National 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.
Restricted Gifts to the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
Make a restricted donation to support to the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum. For other giving options, please contact Claire Alrich at 202-918-1868 or calrich@fona.org.
NATIONAL ARBORETUM’S SCIENCE, BEAUTY, AND IMPACT
The U.S. National Arboretum is a world-class center for horticultural research, education, and innovation. It spans 451 acres in Northeast Washington, D.C., and is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service. The National Arboretum serves as both a horticultural research facility and a public garden.
For almost 100 years, the National Arboretum has played an important role in preserving germplasm, developing and introducing improved plants for the American nursery industry, bridging cultural connections through plant collections, restoring habitat, and more. Learn more about key accomplishments that highlight the Arboretum’s science, beauty, and impact.
Photo courtesy of the National Arboretum
STEWARDING THE NEXT CHAPTER OF THE NATIONAL BONSAI & PENJING MUSEUM
Friends of the National Arboretum is honored to carry forward the legacy of the National Bonsai Foundation (NBF), which concluded its operations at the end of 2025 after more than four decades of extraordinary service.
Since its founding in 1982, NBF has been essential to building and maintaining the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum at the U.S. National Arboretum, fostering international goodwill and a deep respect for the art of bonsai.
FONA extends its sincere gratitude to the NBF Board and supporters for their enduring dedication to this living art form. We are deeply mindful of the trust they have put in FONA to sustain NBF’s mission to preserve and promote the art of bonsai in America. The bonsai and penjing collections will continue under the expert care of the U.S. National Arboretum’s staff, as it has since 1976. As part of this transition, NBF will transfer the majority of remaining assets to FONA to directly support the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum and ongoing bonsai education. These funds will be specifically dedicated to the continued care, growth, and improvement of the museum.
This transition was the result of a request from Dr. Richard Olsen, Director of the U.S. National Arboretum, to consolidate nonprofit engagement under Friends of the National Arboretum. This unified approach will streamline communications, expand community engagement, and enrich the visitor experience, while allowing the U.S. National Arboretum to focus on horticultural excellence and discovery.
FONA embraces this new expanded role to support the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum and the U.S. National Arboretum, helping them flourish in the decades ahead. If you are interested in making a restricted donation to the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum at this time, you can do so online through this form. For other giving options, please contact Claire Alrich at 202-918-1868 or calrich@fona.org.
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.
UPCOMING EVENTS AND PROGRAMS
Hosted by FONA
Hosted by the U.S. National Arboretum and other partners
RECENT SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS
Friends of the National Arboretum Instagram: @FONArboretum
Food Truck Friday is in full swing at the National Arboretum — but make sure to come early tonight! @doscarnalesfoodtruck is serving up hot dogs, hamburgers, and tacos tonight (no ice cream). They may leave early due to the heat, so come early! The Arboretum is open until 8 PM tonight — the perfect time to enjoy a shady picnic dinner 🌳 View the full food truck schedule for the summer on our event calendar linked in bio. The Arboretum grounds, Visitor Center, National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, and restrooms are OPEN this weekend on July 4th and 5th. . . . #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretum #dcarboretum #arboretumdc #nationalarboretumdc #dcfoodtrucks #dcfoodscene #dcfoodies #dc4thofjuly #dc250 #dc250th #capitolcolumns #independenceday #foodtruck
FONA is looking for volunteers to support our work in the Washington Youth Garden and at our community events! Help out at our next summer concert, or get your hands in the soil at the garden. No matter what role you choose, volunteering with FONA is a rewarding (and fun!) experience. Fill out our volunteer interest form at the link in bio to get started. Volunteer opportunities are also available with the National Arboretum to support the archives and living collections. Visit the National Arboretum's website (linked in bio) to learn more. . . Alt text embedded. . . #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretum #dcarboretum #arboretumdc #nationalarboretumdc #volunteeringDC #volunteeringDMV #dcvolunteeropportunities #dmvvolunteersneeded #dmvvolunteeropportunities #dcvolunteers
Immerse yourself in a meditative journey with gong bathing at the National Arboretum, led by Naoco Wowsugi. During this unique mindfulness experience, gongs resonate with rich vibrations, creating a soothing soundscape that washes over you. Take this opportunity to unwind within the relaxing garden ambience of the Washington Youth Garden. This event is part of FONA’s Wellness Wednesday series, hosted all summer long during summer evening hours. Register for gong bathing at the link in bio! . . Alt text embedded. . . #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretum #dcarboretum #arboretumdc #nationalarboretumdc #soundbathingdc #soundbathing #soundbathingdmv #gongbathing #gongbath #gongbathmeditation
Join us on Tuesday, September 22nd for FONA's annual Dinner Under the Stars fundraising celebration. This event brings together champions of agriculture, conservation, and policy for an unforgettable evening of connection and impact at the National Arboretum. Set against the backdrop of the Capitol Columns, this open-air affair features cocktails, a tented dinner, and opportunities to engage with key figures from industry, Capitol Hill, D.C. government, and local philanthropy. Table sponsorships are now open, and are moving quickly! Thank you to Danone U.S.A. @danonenorthamerica and Bayer @bayerofficial for being top sponsors. Pledge your table sponsorship now to maximize your visibility in front of this influential audience. Or, purchase an individual ticket to secure your spot at the event. Details at the link in bio. . . Alt text embedded. . . #dinnerunderthestars #dcgala #dcnetworking #dcprofessionals #dcnonprofit #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretum #dcarboretum #arboretumdc