Newsletter

Spring Traffic Plan & Arboreal Ambles

Beginning Wednesday, March 27th until mid-May, the National Arboretum will implement a temporary traffic plan that impacts traffic flow and parking throughout the grounds. This plan is meant to keep the grounds safe…
flowering deciduous magnolias in spring

Cherry Season Has Begun

Early-blooming cherry trees are just starting to flower at the National Arboretum! The Arboretum has a wide variety of flowering cherry trees, many of which are rare. Different kinds of…
spring cherry blossoms, formatted as a newsletter banner

Unearthing Arboretum History

In a FONA Field Notes early last year, we shared about the role the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Company 1360 played in shaping the National Arboretum. This all-Black unit was stationed at the…
flowering plum tree with purple flowers

Spring Events & Garden Resources

Join us on Saturday, March 23rd at 11:00 AM for our 3rd annual Spring into School Gardening event where you can learn how to plant a spring edible garden and get free supplies to start growing…
teachers meet for the educator coaching program

Spring Event Guide

Spring is right around the corner! We have many exciting events and programs planned to connect people to nature at the National Arboretum.
flowering apricots in spring

Holly Hour

How well do you know the American holly (Ilex opaca)? The National Arboretum has one of the largest and oldest collections of American holly cultivars found anywhere. Many of these…
witch hazel blooming in the winter

A Fond Farewell

Kevin Conrad, Acting Supervisory Horticulturist, retired earlier this month after 32 years of service to the National Arboretum. He wore many hats during his career at the Arboretum. He served…
white camellia blooming in winter in the Asian Collections

Stocking Up on Plants

The annual spring Garden Fair & Plant Sale may not be until April, but we have already begun preparing for the event. In early January, our volunteer Garden Fair Committee…
Gotelli conifer collection in snow

Coffee Break

We are saddened to share the news that Dick Hammerschlag, a long-time National Arboretum and FONA volunteer, passed away on December 28th, 2023. Dick was a kind, thoughtful person who…
capitol columns in the snow

Cultivating Connections

Our Garden Team recently added a new pebble harp to the Nature Explore Classroom (NEC) to complement the other musical instruments in the space. Pebbles dropped into the harp’s slots…
holly berries in winter
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