Newsletter

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

Ringing in the New Year

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…
captiol columns in snow

Happy New Year from FONA

Happy holidays and happy new year from everyone at Friends of the National Arboretum! Thank you for being a part of our community. Whether you live nearby and attended a FONA…
winter blooming camellia in the asian collections

A New Chitalpa in Town

The National Arboretum introduced a new tree into the American nursery industry earlier this fall. Strawberry Moon Chitalpa (×Chitalpa tashkentensis ‘Strawberry Moon’) is the result of a cross between Pink Dawn Chitalpa (×Chitalpa tashkentensis ‘Pink…
holly berries in winter formatted as a newsletter banner

Artificial Intelligence in Plant Science

Support from FONA members and donors is essential to our work. Their contributions enable FONA to provide direct funding, advocacy, and communications for the National Arboretum. They also empower us to…
conifer cones formatted as a newsletter banner
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