SPRING EVENING HOURS

Join us in welcoming Yalonda Thomas as FONA's new Visitor Programs Manager! Yalonda is a proud D.C. native with deep roots in the Anacostia and Arboretum neighborhoods, where her commitment to community engagement shines brightly. After attending The Art Institute of Washington for Culinary Arts, she spent 15 years as a chef before discovering her passion for community work. Yalonda has since gained certifications in meditation, yoga instruction, regenerative urban agriculture, and beekeeping. She most recently served as the Office Manager and Recruitment Chair at KIPP DC Public Schools. �Yalonda is a small business owner and food justice advocate. She fosters meaningful relationships and leads community initiatives, including a school garden and food pantry. Eager to make a positive impact, Yalonda looks forward to facilitating experiential programs that inspire a love of plants, nature, and the outdoors for all Arboretum visitors. We're so excited to have her on our team! . . . 📸 by @annmarievantassell #nationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #usnationalarboretum #dc #dmv #nonprofit #visitorprogram #community #events

Have you ever taken a moment to rest on one of the teak benches nestled beside a trail or under a tree at the Arboretum? These commemorative benches not only offer respite to visitors, they also honor loved ones or a special occasion. Each bench is tax deductible and has a custom engraved plaque. A single term is 15 years, though donors can choose to extend this. While there are available bench locations all over the Arboretum, some new locations have recently opened in the National Herb Garden. These locations are centrally located and easily accessible. Link in bio to learn more about our commemorative bench program and how to donate to one. . . . #nationalarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #dc #dmv #nature #naturewalk #bench #nonprofit #commemorative

We want thank all of our sponsors and donors who made last month's Garden Fair & Plant Sale possible. A special thank you to Bartlett Tree Experts @lifeatbartlett for sponsoring this year's event. We are also grateful to in-kind donations from two anonymous donors, @adcocksnurseryfv, @bellnursery, Edelweiss Perennials, @far_reaches_farm, Hawksridge Farms, @hoffmannursery, @monroviaplants, @oldglorywholesalenursery, @pender_nursery, @plantdelights, @pleasantcovenursery, @radudley_706, Alan Rudan, @youngbloodnursery, and @zanfelpoisonivy. Thank you all so much for making this special event possible! . . . #nationalarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #dc #dcevent #dmv #dmvevent #plantsale #gardenfair #gardening #gardendc #arboretum #gratitude #nonprofit

This year marks the 400th anniversary of the Yamaki Pine, the most esteemed bonsai in the National Arboretum's permanent collection. This bonsai is a Japanese white pine (Pinus parvifolia) and was donated by the late bonsai master Masura Yamaki in 1976 as part of Japan's Bicentennial gift to the American people. Before its donation, the Yamaki family maintained and trained this tree for five generations at the family's bonsai nursery in Hiroshima, Japan. When the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima on August 6th, 1945 about two miles from the nursery, a tall wall protected this tree from the deadly blast. All members of the Yamaki family also survived the blast without permanent injuries. Since the tree's donation, the National Arboretum and the National Bonsai Foundation (@nbfbonsai) have built a relationship with the Yamaki family. Link in bio to read more about the Yamaki Pine's history on the National Bonsai Foundation's website. . . . @usdagov #nationalarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #horticulture #bonsai #penjing #bonsaitree #bonsaimuseum #museum #dcmuseum #history #botany #botanical