Spring evening concert with Cumbia Heights
MAY 17: MUSIC IN THE MEADOW
ARE YOU CURIOUS BY NATURE?
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 plant sales and fairs support our mission and connect visitors to the Arboretum.
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.
Share the gift of the Arboretum
David Fairchild Society
A passionate community of supporters with membership starting at $1,200.
Grow the Garden Campaign
Donate to help us renovate the Washington Youth Garden. This project will make the garden more engaging, accessible, and productive.
Other Ways to Support
Support FONA through securities, donor-advised funds, planned giving, bench donations, and more.
TEMPORARY SPRING TRAFFIC PLAN
The R Street gate will be closed to all personnel and vehicular traffic on Wednesday, April 17th beginning at 8:00 am. The closure is due to the installation of new gates and should last approximately 4 to 5 hours.
Beginning Wednesday, March 27th through mid-May, the Arboretum will implement a temporary traffic plan that impacts traffic flow and parking throughout the grounds. We urge visitors to plan their weekend visit as early in the day as possible or visit on a weekday to avoid crowds.
- One-Way Traffic Flow: Vehicles will only be allowed to travel one way down Hickey Lane and Eagle Nest Road, beginning at the intersection of Hickey Lane and Valley Road and continuing to the intersection of Eagle Nest and Azalea Roads. Azalea Road will also become a one way lane. All other traffic patterns will remain unchanged.
- Pedestrian Walkway: A pedestrian pathway will run adjacent to vehicle traffic on Hickey Lane, beginning at the intersection of Hickey Lane and Valley Road and continuing to the R Street Entrance.
- On-Street Parking: Vehicles will be allowed to park on one side of the road ONLY in designated areas along Eagle Nest Road, Azalea Road, and Valley Road. Signs will designate where parking is allowed.
Pedestrians and bicyclists are not subject to traffic restrictions, but please take special care when traveling around the one-way loop that is open to traffic.
The adjacent map illustrates the impact of this traffic plan on the grounds. Both the R Street and New York Avenue Entrances will operate as normal. Please drive carefully through the R Street Neighborhood and be respectful of our neighbors when accessing the R Street Entrance. Thank you for driving safely through the National Arboretum this spring.
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 & Washington Youth Garden
UPCOMING EVENTS AND PROGRAMS
Forest Bathing
Other Activities
RECENT POSTS
Friends of the National Arboretum Instagram
Washington Youth Garden Instagram
FONA FIELD NOTES NEWSLETTER
Our award-winning weekly FONA Field Notes newsletter provides timely updates on the National Arboretum, FONA, and the Washington Youth Garden. See our all our past newsletter issues, in addition to our other publications and magazines, on our Publications & Media page.
Connect with the Arboretum through our FONA Field Notes newsletter
Sign up to receive FONA Field Notes
When you sign up for our mailing list, you will receive regular updates and insights from FONA, the U.S. National Arboretum, and our award-winning Washington Youth Garden.
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