11/9: FALL 5K

We're taking our Bulb Sale on the road this fall 🌷 Although our annual Garlic Planting Party is cancelled due to the government shutdown, our Bulb Sale isn't. We're holding two pop-up Bulb Sales outside of the Arboretum in NE D.C. Stock up on flower bulbs for your garden while supporting FONA in this important annual fundraiser. We hope to see you at one of our pop-ups: 🌷 Thursday, October 30: 4 PM – 8 PM @ @noma.bid Farmer’s Market 🍻 Sunday, November 2nd: 10 AM – 2 PM @ @rightproperbeer in Brookland . . . #nationalarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #dc #dmv #governmentshutdown #governmentshutdown2025 #arboretum #horticulture #federalshutdown #federalshutdown2025 #bulbsale #garden #fall #autumn #flowerbulbs

When Harold Belcher was a teenager growing up in Cheverly, Maryland in the 1960s, the U.S. National Arboretum became his haven. “I would ride my bike all over and wander the trails. It was very peaceful,” Harold recalls. Those early explorations grew into a 60-year connection with the Arboretum. After a career with the U.S. Navy Department and the Department of Justice, Harold spent more time volunteering at the Arboretum and walking the trails. While serving as president of the local chapter of the Azalea Society of America about 15 years ago, Harold helped rally support to preserve the Arboretum’s historic Glenn Dale azaleas when they faced removal due to budget cuts. Today, Harold continues to give back as a proud member of the David Fairchild Society, FONA’s highest level of membership and leadership giving. “The Arboretum is a jewel,” he says. “I support FONA because it helps people stay connected to nature and ensures others can enjoy this place well into the future.” With the support of Harold and his fellow David Fairchild Society members, FONA is nurturing the U.S. National Arboretum’s growth as a living museum, a center for horticultural discovery, and a place of belonging for all who visit. Thank you, Harold, for your decades of dedication and stewardship that drive FONA’s work! Link in bio to learn how you can support FONA as a David Fairchild Society member. . . . 📸 #1 courtesy of Harold Belcher #nationalarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #dc #dmv #nonprofit #support #supporter #gratitude #volunteer #arboretum #horticulture #azaleas

Meet Susan Bentz, the woman quietly making a big impact in the Floral and Nursery Plants Research Unit of the U.S. National Arboretum. From battling invasive pests to mentoring the next generation of scientists, Susan Bentz’s work over the past 40 years at the U.S. National Arboretum is helping to keep our trees — and our cities — greener. Read FONA's new "Stories from the Field" article (link in bio) to learn more about Susan Bentz's contributions to the American nursery industry through her career at the National Arboretum. . . . 📸 courtesy of @usdagov #nationalarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #science #horticulture #arboretum #nursery #plants #botany #botanical #usda #usdaars #plantscience #horticultural

FONA is doing what we can to support the National Arboretum, our program partners, and our community while the Arboretum remains closed due to the lapse in federal funding. Our SPROUT field trip program pivoted to bring field trips into classrooms, rather than bringing classes into the @washyouthgarden at the Arboretum. Since our Educator Coaching Program works within D.C. partner schools, rather than at the Arboretum, this work has continued without interruption. FONA staff are supporting the many events happening right now across the five partner schools. We want to share our immense gratitude for our federal Arboretum colleagues. Many of them are currently furloughed during the shutdown. A very limited number of Arboretum staff are allowed on the grounds to water critical collections, including specimens in the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum. Today and every day, FONA is grateful for the Arboretum staff's service in making the National Arboretum a world-class center for horticultural research, education, and innovation. . . . 📸 #1 Capitol columns, by @photographybyjoshp 📸 #2 FONA food tasting event at a partner school 📸 #3 Arboretum staff at the 2025 Dinner Under the Stars, by @photographybyjoshp #nationalarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #dc #dmv #gratitude #schoolgarden #governmentshutdown #governmentshutdown2025 #arboretum #horticulture #federalshutdown #federalshutdown2025