FONA Field Notes

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…

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…

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

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Thank you for your support in 2023! Whether you donated your time, money, or expertise this past year, you helped us meaningfully connect thousands of people to nature, health, and…