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As 2025 winds to a close, we are filled with gratitude for all that FONA has been able to achieve this year thanks to our supporters, community, and National Arboretum partners. This year, FONA welcomed visitors onto the National Arboretum grounds with bold new programs and events and shared the Arboretum’s story with expanded audiences. All the while, we worked hard to deepen relationships between the Arboretum and its treasured community. We at FONA are profoundly grateful for the opportunity to do this work in support of the National Arboretum. We look forward to continuing it into the new year! . . . 📸 #3 by @zawesomesauce 📸 #6 by Beth Haubach 📸 # 7 by @photographybyjoshp #nationalarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #dc #dmv #nonprofit #gratitude #grateful #wrapped #newyear #holidays #reflection

This year, FONA redoubled its efforts as a trusted leader and creative partner for the National Arboretum. We kept the Arboretum open three extra hours every day, all summer long. We invested in the Arboretum’s infrastructure and made sure operations could continue at critical moments. We connected thousands of D.C. youth to nature and garden science. Most critically for our future, we began leading a new era of collaboration as the National Arboretum’s primary nonprofit partner. Our supporters make this work possible. Please donate before December 31st and help drive this important work forward into the new year. By donating or making an additional year-end gift, you will also join or renew your FONA membership and receive special perks throughout the year. Link in bio to make your year-end gift today! . . . 📸 #2 by @zawesomesauce #nationalarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #dc #capitolcolumns #nonprofit #dmv #horticulture #arboretum #publicgardens

We are thrilled to announce that Jeanne Braha has been selected as FONA’s new Executive Director. She will step into her new role on January 5, 2026. Our outgoing Executive Director, Craven Rand, will work closely with Jeanne during her first month to ensure a seamless transition of leadership and institutional knowledge. Jeanne brings more than two decades of experience in conservation leadership, environmental education, nonprofit management, and fundraising. She most recently served as the Executive Director of Rock Creek Conservancy and the Head of Development for iNaturalist. Jeanne’s career is deeply rooted in successful public-private partnerships, including extensive work with the National Park Service and land grant agencies. She has championed public lands as vital civic spaces where science, nature, and community come together. As Jeanne settles into her new role at FONA, she looks forward to meeting members of our FONA community and deepening her understanding of the National Arboretum in all of its dimensions. “The FONA community is what powers its success,” she notes. “I see my role as channeling that passion into a bright future for FONA, the National Arboretum, and our shared community.” With new leadership at our helm and our partnership with the National Arboretum that is stronger than ever, FONA’s future is bright. In the new year, we’ll be introducing Jeanne to our community and sharing opportunities to connect. . . . #nationalarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #nonprofit #fona #friendsofthenationalarboretum #nonprofitleadership #publicprivatepartner

Take some time during the holidays to visit the National Arboretum! Hollies in fruit and evergreen conifers are hallmarks of the festive season, and winter-blooming camellias bring much-needed color to the colder months. The Arboretum is open every day from 8 AM to 5 PM, except on December 25th. The National Bonsai & Penjing Museum is open every day from 10 AM to 4 PM, but is closed this week on December 24 through 26th. The Museum is also closed on all federal holidays from November through February. Last admittance to the Arboretum grounds is at 4:30 PM each day. Admission and parking at the Arboretum are free. . . . #nationalarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #dc #dcmuseum #nationalbonsaiandpenjingmuseum #nationalbonsaimuseum #bonsaimuseum #bonsai #penjing #winter #holidays #arboretum #horticulture #publicgarden