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FONA & THE ARBORETUM
Friends of the National Arboretum (FONA)Ā was foundedĀ in 1982 as an independent 501(c)(3).Ā 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 andĀ 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 ā90s. 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 plant sales and fairs 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 internshipsĀ that support the collections.Ā 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
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.
FONA & THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
FONA is thrilled to congratulate Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young on her confirmation as Under Secretary of Agriculture for Research, Education, and Economics within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). In this new role, she will serve in the highest scientific post at the USDA in support of our nationās agricultural needs and will be the first woman of color in this position.
Dr. Jacobs-Young has long advocated for a productive partnership between FONA and the U.S. National Arboretum in her previous role as Administrator of the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service and has played an important role in advancing our collaboration. FONA thanks her for her longstanding support and is excited for her continued leadership.
50 YEARS OF WASHINGTON YOUTH GARDEN
For 50 years, Washington Youth Garden, the youth outreach and education branch of Friends of the National Arboretum, has provided hands-on education to connect youth to food, the land, and each other.
Now we are celebrating Washington Youth Gardenās successes and the people who have made it what it is today by investing in three key components to continue engaging children, families, and teachers in garden education for the next 50 years.
Learn about our anniversary projects
UPCOMING EVENTS AND PROGRAMS
Forest Bathing
Other Activities
RECENT POSTS
Friends of the National Arboretum Instagram
We had a blast hosting over 360 runners and walkers at our Summer 5K this past weekend! We particularly enjoyed partnering with the Masjid Muhammad community to help celebrate the mosque's 85th anniversary. This event would not have been possible without our amazing partners: @runpacers managed the race, @therounds.co provided coffee and snacks, and @cvspharmacy provided race giveaways. Need motivation to start training? Link in bio to register now for our Fall 5K on Saturday, November 12th. Register before October 16th to receive a race t-shirt and early-bird pricing. . . . #shareyourarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #capitolcolumns #optoutside #arboretum #5k #running #rundc #dc #5krun #dcevents #dmvevents #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretum
Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating Washington Youth Garden's 50th anniversary this month! At both the Birthday Party and Evening Benefit, we met participants from the past 5 decades and shared stories of how the garden has changed since its inception in 1971. We also introduced new people of all ages to the youth garden, played games in the garden, and shared about our current education programs. We are extremely grateful to the hundreds of people attended our celebrations to honor those who have made the garden what it is today. Hereās to another 50 years! š Benefit: šø @rosifotography @selecteventgroup @dcreventrentals @bookextraordinary @mtghospitality . . . @washyouthgarden #shareyourarboretum #nationalarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #washyouthgarden #wyg #gardeneducation #gardenscience #wyg50
Get outside and celebrate summer with us at the National Arboretum! We're collaborating with lots of local partners to host exciting activities and events all summer long. Scroll through these photos to learn about each event, and check out our link in bio to register for them! . . . #shareyourarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #dc #dcevents #summer #yoga #outdoorconcert #concert #outdoormovie #movie #forestbathing #juneteenth #5k #dmv #dmvevents #outdoorevents #event
Itās time to celebrate! šš„³ Come by Washington Youth Garden @washyouthgarden this Saturday, June 11th from 11 AM to 1:30 PM and celebrate its 50th birthday! This family-friendly event is free and open to all. Weāll have activities, snacks, birthday cake, and so much more! This event will be held rain or shine and will only be cancelled if there are thunderstorms. Link in bio for full event details. Keep the party going afterward! When you visit our next-door neighbors at Supreme Core Cider @districtcidercompany on the day of a FONA event, 10% of your purchase is donated back to FONA. Supreme Core is just two blocks from the National Arboretum's R Street entrance. You must show your FONA Eventbrite registration or proof of attendance for your purchase to qualify. . . . #washyouthgarden #wyg #washingtonyouthgarden #wyg50 #nationalarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #dc #dcevents #dmvevents #familyfriendly #outdoorevents
Washington Youth Garden Instagram
Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating Washington Youth Garden's 50th anniversary this month! We are extremely grateful to the hundreds of people attended our celebrations to honor those who have made the garden what it is today. At both the Birthday Party and Evening Benefit, we met participants from the past 5 decades and shared stories of how the garden has changed since its inception in 1971. We also introduced new people of all ages to the youth garden, played games in the garden, and shared about our current education programs. Hereās to another 50 years! š Benefit: šø @rosifotography @selecteventgroup @dcreventrentals @bookextraordinary @mtghospitality . . . @fonarboretum #shareyourarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #washyouthgarden #wyg #gardeneducation #gardenscience #wyg50
Are you ready for a birthday party?! š„³ Come by Washington Youth Garden this Saturday, June 11th from 11 AM to 1:30 PM to celebrate our 50th birthday! This family-friendly event is free and open to all. Weāll have activities, snacks, birthday cake, and so much more! This event will be held rain or shine and will only be cancelled if there are thunderstorms. Link in bio for full event details. Keep the party going afterward! When you visit our next-door neighbors at Supreme Core Cider @districtcidercompany on the day of a FONA event, 10% of your purchase is donated back to FONA and WYG. Supreme Core is just two blocks from the National Arboretum's R Street entrance. You must show your FONA Eventbrite registration or proof of attendance for your purchase to qualify. . . . #washyouthgarden #wyg #washingtonyouthgarden #wyg50 #nationalarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #dc #dcevents #dmvevents #familyfriendly #outdoorevents
Today was a busy day in the garden. The team harvested produce for distribution at @kippdcspring, and we began to put the finishing touches on the garden for this weekend's 50th Anniversary Celebration! Join us Saturday, June 11th (rain or shine) for our Community Birthday Party, 11-2:30. Connect with staff, fellow participants, enjoy some garden activities, and even carrot cake pops! The event is free, but registration is requested (link is in the bio). Then Sunday, June 12th, just us for an evening benefit to celebrate and support the continued success of the Washington Youth Garden into the future. We hope to see you this weekend! #HPDWYG #50years #celebrate #gardenparty
CELEBRATE WITH US ON JUNETEENTH šāš¾/ Originally a Texas State holiday turned federal holiday, Juneteenth celebrates the stateās late acceptance of the Emancipation Proclamation on June 19th 1865. The Washington Youth Garden will be celebrating the different foods of this holiday by showcasing a food demo with Chef Daoud Harris of @sixstreeteats We also will offer self-guided tours of various diaspora crops currently growing in our demonstration garden located on the grounds of the US National Arboretum. If youāre interested in signing up, registrar for this FREE event on Eventbrite. Bring your family and friends along to enjoy the festivities. Link in the bio. #junteenth #juneteenthweekend #juneteenth2022 #dmv #dcps #gardentotable #blackhistory #dcevents #nationalarboretum #WYG #familyfriendly
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