Enjoy cocktails and seated dinner in the Ellipse Meadow
SEPT. 17: DINNER UNDER THE STARS
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 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 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
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.
28TH ANNUAL DINNER UNDER THE STARS
Join us on Tuesday, September 17th, 2024 from 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM for our 28th annual Dinner Under the Stars!
We are delighted to welcome the following honored guests and speakers: Secretary Tom Vilsack, U.S. Department of Agriculture; U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Chairwoman of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee; and U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA), Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee.
This is our primary fundraising event supporting the U.S. National Arboretum’s plant research and public education mission. Since 1982, FONA has been raising funds for the Arboretum to connect visitors to nature through education programs, events, and more.
Enjoy cocktails in the National Herb Garden and a tented dinner in view of the historic Capitol Columns — originally sited in the East Portico of the Capitol Building in 1828. Spend a wonderful fall evening with colleagues, business leaders, and senior staff and officials from Capitol Hill.
By attending the Dinner Under the Stars, you enable FONA to continue supporting and promoting the National Arboretum. As its primary 501(c)(3) nonprofit partner, FONA complements the National Arboretum’s important work by funding programs and events that connect visitors with nature, inspire discovery, and appreciate the practical application of plant science and our dependence on plants.
This event is co-hosted by Martha Van Dale, COO of NASDA, Chandler Goule, CEO of National Association of Wheat Growers, and Anne MacMillan, Principal of Invariant GR. We greatly appreciate the continued support of Robert and Kate Bartlett and Bartlett Tree Experts for this event.
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.
Learn about our education programs & Washington Youth Garden
UPCOMING EVENTS AND PROGRAMS
Forest Bathing
Other Activities
RECENT POSTS
Friends of the National Arboretum Instagram
Tomorrow’s weather is looking phenomenal for our last concert of the season! ✨ Enjoy a gorgeous evening in the Ellipse Meadow on Sept. 6th as you listen to @rochellericemusic's beautiful blend of jazz, folk, and soul music. The Arboretum's R Street entrance will remain open after 5 PM, but only the National Herb Garden, Ellipse Meadow, and Capitol Columns will be open to attendees. The New York Avenue entrance and all other parts of the Arboretum will be closed. Tickets are required for this event — please purchase them online in advance. FONA staff and volunteers will check all tickets before the event. Our requested ticket price is $25 (or $20 for FONA members), but please pay what you can to attend. Children 12 and under are free, but tickets are required. Link in bio to purchase tickets! . . . Event supporters: @doee_dc @thedcarts #nationalarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #dcevents #datenightdc #dcdatenight #dc #dmv #dmvevents #outdoorconcert #familyfriendly #dogfriendly #fallevents #summerevents #outdoormusic #capitolcolumns
Our Fall Happenings Guide is officially here! Summer may be ending, but the outdoor fun continues at the National Arboretum. We're kicking off our fall events with a Music in the Meadow concert next Friday, Sept. 6th! Scroll through these flyers to learn about each event. Link in bio to see our full event calendar and to register for an event. Please note that some event registrations won't go live until September or October. Sign up to receive our “FONA Field Notes” email newsletter to be the first to know when tickets go live (link in bio). . . . #nationalarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #fall #fallevent #dc #dcevents #dmv #dmvevents #arboretum #capitolcolumns #outdoorconcert #concert #holidaymarket #christmastreesale #bulbsale #plantsale #washingtonyouthgarden #5k
Cultivating your legacy is important no matter your stage of life. This August during National Make-A-Will-Month, create or update your will to secure your legacy and plan ahead for the people, places, and causes you care about. Thanks to FONA's partnership with FreeWill, you can make or update your will in 20 minutes or less for free. You don't have to include FONA in your will in order to use FreeWill — but if you choose to do so, your legacy will help FONA secure the National Arboretum's legacy, too. Link in bio to create or update your will today! . . . #makeawillmonth #mawm #legacy #nationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #usnationalarboretum #fona #will #freewill #legacygift
✨Job Alert!✨ The US National Arboretum is hiring a Public Horticulture & Engagement Unit Leader at the GS 14 level. This leadership position will guide the development of horticultural and educational displays and exhibits that align with the Arboretum's research and outreach priorities. This position is based out of the Arboretum's main D.C. campus. Applications will close on September 6th. Link in bio to apply today! . . . @usdagov #nationalarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarobretumdc #hiring #arboretum #horticulture #garden #agriculture #research #botanic #dc #dcjob #arboretumjob #usda #usdaars
Washington Youth Garden Instagram
Registration is now open for fall field trips to the Washington Youth Garden! FONA's Science Program Reaching OUT (SPROUT) field trips encourage students to explore the garden through activity stations and their own curiosity. Field trips are available from September 16th through November 15th on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, and on Friday mornings and afternoons. Link in bio to register for a field trip today! . . . @fonarboretum #nationalarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #arboretum #washingtonyouthgarden #dcps #fieldtrip #dcteachers #schoolgarden #gardeneducation #fieldtrips #dcstudents #outdoorlearning
We're here to make getting back into your school garden easy! Join us for our 4th annual Fall into School Gardening event on Saturday, Sept. 14th from 11 AM to 12:30 PM in the Washington Youth Garden. Learn how to plant a fall and winter edible garden, get free supplies to start growing outside with your students, and connect with other D.C. educators. Current Educator Coaching Program school teams will meet at 10 AM. Please register to let us know you're coming (link in bio). . . . @fonarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #dcteachers #dcps #schoolgarden #gardeneducation #wyg #growinggreendreams #gardendc #garden
It's time for a picnic party! We're celebrating our new fence, and all the amazing donors and partners who made it possible. Join us in the Washington Youth Garden tomorrow, Saturday, June 8th from 11 AM to 1 PM for our Grow the Garden Party. Here's what to expect: 🥕 Garden tours 🎨 Hands-on garden and art activities, including natural dye and floral jewelry demonstrations with local artists Arrin Sutliff @tint.floral and An-Phuong Ly @anmadethis 🥁 Live music from East of the River Steel Band @eotrsteelband 🍦 Tasty treats from food vendor Paste & Rind Cheese Co @pasteandrind UPDATE: Ana's Twist and Jarabe Gourmet Pops are no longer able to join us for this event Link in bio for more info! . . . @fonarboretum #nationalarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #washingtonyouthgarden #wyg #dc #kidfriendly #kidfriendlydc #dcevents #dmv #dmvevents #familyfriendly #familyfriendlydc #arboretum #youthgarden
Our new perimeter fence is complete — and we’re throwing a party to celebrate! Join us for the ‘Grow the Garden’ Party on Saturday, June 8th from 11 AM to 1 PM. This is a free event in the Washington Youth Garden that is open to the entire community. There will be hands-on garden and art activities, live music from East Of The River Steel Band, local food trucks, and more. Bring a blanket and a picnic, or enjoy lunch from one of the food truck vendors. Tickets are not required, but registration is encouraged to receive important event updates. Link in bio to learn more and sign up! . . . @fonarboretum @eotrsteelband #nationalarboretumdc #usnationalarboretum #dc #dcevents #familyfriendly #dogfriendly #dmv #dmvevents #washingtonyouthgarden #wyg #community
FONA FIELD NOTES NEWSLETTER
Our award-winning weekly FONA Field Notes newsletter provides timely updates on the National Arboretum, FONA, and the Washington Youth Garden. See our all our past newsletter issues, in addition to our other publications and magazines, on our Publications & Media page.
Connect with the Arboretum through our FONA Field Notes newsletter
Sign up to receive FONA Field Notes
When you sign up for our mailing list, you will receive regular updates and insights from FONA, the U.S. National Arboretum, and our award-winning Washington Youth Garden.
By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Friends of the National Arboretum. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact