Unique and unusual bulbs, local vendors, and fall family fun

SEPT. 30: FALL FESTIVAL & BULB SALE

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.

vintage photo of capitol columns

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.

students harvest carrots from the washington youth garden

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.

visitor center pond during the sunrise

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

General Online Donations

Support FONA with a gift of any amount.

Membership

Become a FONA member starting at $45 and receive exclusive perks.

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.

GROW THE GARDEN: FENCE RENOVATION

We are renovating Washington Youth Garden’s perimeter fence as the next step in our Grow the Garden campaign.

Replacing the existing fence will:

  • Make the garden more inviting to youth and families
  • Create a visible, central entry point to the garden by adding a front entrance
  • Incorporate honeycomb elements to make the fence more visually interesting and engaging than the existing chain link fence
  • Continue to keep out deer, raccoons, and groundhogs
  • Expand the growing space

Donate today and together we can grow the garden! We have already secured $50,000 in grant funding for the fence renovation, but we need our community’s help to reach our $150,000 goal. Whether it’s $15, $50, or $500, every donation makes a difference.

$53,594 of $150,000 raised

*Donations are for the entire Grow the Garden campaign and do not count towards annual membership.

wyg garden redesign map

Click the map to view in full screen, or click here for a downloadable version.

Campaign Phases

FONA is committed to providing excellent youth education at the National Arboretum. Each phase of the Grow the Garden campaign helps us make the Washington Youth Garden more engaging, accessible, and productive for future generations.

Nadia Mercer

September 13, 2023

Amount Donated
$103

Maisha Martin

September 12, 2023

Amount Donated
$26

Karen Rand

September 11, 2023

Amount Donated
$1,288

Tom Broderick

September 11, 2023

Amount Donated
$50

Kevin McIntosh

September 11, 2023

Amount Donated
$500

Luke Dickinson

September 10, 2023

Amount Donated
$26

Pamela Raymont-Simpson

September 10, 2023

Amount Donated
$100

Richard Boyd

September 9, 2023

Amount Donated
$26

Dick Cecka

September 9, 2023

Amount Donated
$103

Patricia Nutter

September 9, 2023

Amount Donated
$103

mark buscaino

September 9, 2023

Amount Donated
$200

Stella Edosomwan

September 9, 2023

Amount Donated
$16

Anonymous

September 9, 2023

Amount Donated
$26

Barbara Shea

September 9, 2023

Amount Donated
$1,000

Anonymous

September 7, 2023

Amount Donated
$26

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Science

February 15, 2023

Amount Donated
$50,000

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

Washington Youth Garden Instagram

FONA FIELD NOTES NEWSLETTER

Our 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.

fall flowers in the dogwood collection, used as a newsletter banner

Growing our Garden

FONA is taking the next step in our Grow the Garden campaign to improve the Washington Youth Garden. Our…
fall flowers in the friendship garden, used as a newsletter banner

Saying Goodbye to Summer

The DC metro region is home to a variety of peoples and cultures that share…
trees changing colors behind the capitol columns, used as a newsletter banner

Fall Event Guide

With fall quickly approaching, we have many exciting events and programs planned to connect people…
sun setting behind the visitor setting, used as a newsletter banner

Planning Ahead

Registration is now open for fall self-guided field trips in the Washington Youth Garden. Prior to…

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.


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Connect with the Arboretum through our FONA Field Notes newsletter