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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.
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS — 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 Garden’s 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.
Celebrating the past by investing in the future
UPCOMING EVENTS AND PROGRAMS
Forest Bathing
Other Activities
RECENT POSTS
Friends of the National Arboretum Instagram
PROJECT UPDATE: The Arboretum’s R Street gate will remain open this week. The originally scheduled construction project that would have closed the gate to traffic is on hold due to weather. See USNA website for full details and updates (link in bio). . . . #nationalarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #winter #shareyourarboretum #dmv #dc #usna
1/18 UPDATE: This project is on hold due to weather. The R street gate will remain open this week. The Arboretum’s R Street entrance will be closed from Tuesday, Jan. 18th through Thursday, Jan. 20th for construction of a new rain garden. The New York Avenue entrance will be the only entrance to the National Arboretum during this time. All gates and roadways are expected to reopen on Friday, Jan. 21st, but there may be weather delays. See USNA website for full details and updates (link in bio). . . . Featured flower: Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Jelena’ witch hazel #nationalarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #winter #shareyourarboretum #dmv #dc #usna #witchhazel
UPDATE: With more ice and snow coming our way, the National Arboretum will be closed Friday, January 7th. Until then, we hope you have plenty of camellias (like this “Winter’s Rose”) near you to tide you over until you can visit the Arboretum’s Camellia Collection. Keep an eye on FONA.org and usna.usda.org (links in bio) for any updates. . . . #nationalarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #capitolcolumns #snow #winter #shareyourarboretum #snowday #dmv #dc
UPDATED: Due to icy conditions, the National Arboretum will remain closed on Tuesday, January 4th. The USNA team is working hard to clear the roads and make the grounds safer for visitors and staff. Thanks for your patience! Keep an eye on FONA.org and usna.usda.org (links in bio) for any updates. . . . #nationalarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #capitolcolumns #snow #winter #shareyourarboretum #snowday #dmv #dc
Washington Youth Garden Instagram
1/18 UPDATE: This project is on hold due to weather. The R street gate will remain open this week. The Arboretum’s R Street entrance will be closed from Tuesday, Jan. 18th through Thursday, Jan. 20th for construction of a new rain garden. The New York Avenue entrance will be the only entrance to the National Arboretum during this time. All gates and roadways are expected to reopen on Friday, Jan. 21st, but there may be weather delays. See USNA website for full details and updates (link in bio). . . . #nationalarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #winter #shareyourarboretum #dmv #dc #usna #wyg #washingtonyouthgarden
UPDATED: Due to icy conditions, the National Arboretum will remain closed on Tuesday, January 4th. The USNA team is working hard to clear the roads and make the grounds safer for visitors and staff. Thanks for your patience! Keep an eye on FONA.org and usna.usda.org (links in bio) for any updates. . . . #nationalarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #capitolcolumns #snow #winter #shareyourarboretum #snowday #dmv #dc
Happy new year!! The US National Arboretum is closed today due to the snowstorm. We hope you are getting some time outdoors to explore, or indoors to dream of the 2022 growing season to come. We look forward to seeing you all in 2022! #snowday #gardenplanning #winterishere #nationalarboretum
Christmas trees are here and our tents are set up — come see us this weekend at @fonarboretum’s first ever Christmas Tree Sale & Holiday Market at the US National Arboretum! See us Saturday & Sunday from 10AM to 4 PM in the New York Avenue parking lot. The Procrastinators Holiday Market is Saturday only, but the Christmas Tree Sale is Saturday AND Sunday. Come pick out your Christmas tree and do some holiday shopping! The market will feature local artisans, family-friendly entertainment, a holiday card-making station, @roamingrooster1 food truck, and FREE holiday train rides for kids. Find our table at the market to buy your very own Youth Garden honey or Arboretum ornament! Link in bio for more info, see you this weekend! @riamainstreet @bladensburgroad . . . #shareyourarboretum #christmas #holiday #holidaymarket #christmasmarket #christmastree #dc #dcevents #dmvevents #dmv #nationalarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc
FONA FIELD NOTES NEWSLETTER
