The U.S. National Arboretum is currently closed due to the lapse in federal government funding. It will reopen once Congress restores funding. FONA’s visitor events and educational programs are on hold during the shutdown. Click to read more.

11/15: Wangari Gardens 12 PM – 5 PM
11/16: Small Planes Coffee 11 AM – 5 PM

POP-UP BULB SALES

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Photo by Kelsey Cochran

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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.

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 maintenance projects. Our plant sales and seasonal festivals 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.

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 and the Washington Youth Garden

STAY IN THE KNOW

FONA’s publications and newsletters share the story of the U.S. National Arboretum and FONA with the world. Our FONA Field Notes newsletter is just one of the ways we tell this story. This award-winning weekly email newsletter that shares updates and insights about the U.S. National Arboretum, Friends of the National Arboretum, and the Washington Youth Garden. Sign up to receive FONA Field Notes in your inbox. See our Publications & Media page to see a full archive of all of our publications.

See all of our publications & media

UPCOMING EVENTS AND PROGRAMS

FONA’s visitor events and educational programs that take place at the National Arboretum are on hold while the government is shut down and the Arboretum is closed. If you have signed up for an event or program, FONA staff will reach out to you directly about the status of that event. We will only remove an event from the events and programs calendar once it has been officially cancelled.

Forest Bathing

Other Activities

Learn more about our events & programs

RECENT SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS

Friends of the National Arboretum Instagram

@fonarboretum

Washington Youth Garden Instagram

@washyouthgarden

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