Arboretum will stay open to the public until 8 PM on Friday, May 9, May 30, and June 20
EXTENDED EVENING HOURS
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 maintenance projects. Our plant sales and seasonal festivals 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.
Donate to Join
Make a donation of any amount to become a FONA member. Or give monthly to become a Sustaining Member and support our work all year long!
Donate to Renew
Make a one-time contribution of any amount to renew your FONA membership. Or give monthly to become a Sustaining Member and support our work all year long!
David Fairchild Society
A passionate community of supporters with membership starting at $1,200.
Other Ways to Support
Support FONA through securities, donor-advised funds, planned giving, bench donations, and more.
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.
STAY IN THE KNOW
FONA’s publications and newsletters share the story of the U.S. National Arboretum and FONA with the world. Our FONA Field Notes newsletter and Stories from the Field articles are just some of the ways we tell this story. See our Publications & Media page to see a full archive of all of our publications.
FONA Field Notes Newsletter
This award-winning weekly email newsletter that shares updates and insights about the U.S. National Arboretum, Friends of the National Arboretum, and the Washington Youth Garden. The newsletter also periodically highlights historical agricultural and horticultural change makers, local community events hosted by partner organizations, and much more. Review our full newsletter archive, or sign up to receive FONA Field Notes in your inbox.
Community Fishing & Garden Gratitude
Guide to the Garden Fair & Plant Sale
Stories From the Field Articles
This article series highlights the people, collections, and research that make the National Arboretum such a special and important place. We deliver these articles straight to your inbox through our FONA Field Notes newsletter, so there’s no need for extra emails or mail. Review our full article archive, or sign up to receive FONA Field Notes.
Illuminating the ‘Ilex’
How a Blooming Career Took Root: Dr. Margaret Pooler
Unsung Heroes of Summer
UPCOMING EVENTS AND PROGRAMS
Forest Bathing
Other Activities
RECENT SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS
Friends of the National Arboretum Instagram
This year marks the 400th anniversary of the Yamaki Pine, the most esteemed bonsai in the National Arboretum's permanent collection. This bonsai is a Japanese white pine (Pinus parvifolia) and was donated by the late bonsai master Masura Yamaki in 1976 as part of Japan's Bicentennial gift to the American people. Before its donation, the Yamaki family maintained and trained this tree for five generations at the family's bonsai nursery in Hiroshima, Japan. When the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima on August 6th, 1945 about two miles from the nursery, a tall wall protected this tree from the deadly blast. All members of the Yamaki family also survived the blast without permanent injuries. Since the tree's donation, the National Arboretum and the National Bonsai Foundation (@nbfbonsai) have built a relationship with the Yamaki family. Link in bio to read more about the Yamaki Pine's history on the National Bonsai Foundation's website. . . . @usdagov #nationalarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #horticulture #bonsai #penjing #bonsaitree #bonsaimuseum #museum #dcmuseum #history #botany #botanical
Did you know that the Anacostia River gracefully embraces the lush landscapes of the National Arboretum? Visit the Asian Valley Trail this spring during one of our special extended hours on Friday evenings and discover all the Arboretum has to offer.
Don't miss the Bonsai Festival this weekend! The National Arboretum and the Potomac Bonsai Association are celebrating World Bonsai Day with a weekend-long festival this Friday, May 9th through Sunday, May 11th. This year's festival is particularly special since it will celebrate the 400th anniversary of the Yamaki Pine. Festival activities will include free demonstrations, styling presentations, and children's activities. Workshops are sold out, but a number of walkup spaces may be available. Docents will lead tours of the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, and exhibits will feature trees from the Museum's and PBA members' collections. Vendors will also have bonsai-related items for sale. Link in bio to learn more about the event. . . . #nationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #usnationalarboretum #bonsai #penjing #bonsaimuseum #bonsaitree #dc #dcevent #dcevents #dmv #dmvevents #familyfriendly #freeevent #dcmuseum
Spring extended evening hours at the Arboretum begin tomorrow! The National Arboretum will stay open to the public until 8 PM on the following Fridays: May 9th, May 30th, June 20th. This is free for all to enjoy, and is made possible by FONA, the National Park Service, and the Capitol Hill Community Foundation. Stay tuned — our summer extended evening hour dates are coming soon! . . . #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #capitolcolumns #sunset #evening #arboretum #dc #dcevents #dcdatenight #familyfriendly #dmv #dmvevents
Washington Youth Garden Instagram
Families, join us for a container gardening workshop on Saturday, May 10th and learn how to container garden! Together, we'll learn step-by-step how to grow fresh herbs or veggies in pots, right in your home. Come out to the Washington Youth Garden from 1 PM to 3:30 PM and have some fun! Link in bio to register. . . . @fonarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #dc #familyfriendly #dcevent #kidfriendly #nature #naturewalk #dmv #dmvevent #arboretum #washingtonyouthgarden
Calling all families! Join us on a guided Nature Walk on Saturday, April 12th in the Washington Youth Garden. This is a free and enriching outdoor experience where you and your family can breathe, explore, and unwind together. Along the way, you'll learn fun, hands-on activities that you can take with you to explore on your own. Come out and have some fun!! Link in bio to register. . . . @fonarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #dc #familyfriendly #dcevent #kidfriendly #nature #naturewalk #dmv #dmvevent #arboretum #washingtonyouthgarden
Applications for the annual Summer Institute for Garden-based Teaching are now open! This is a four-day training for D.C. educators from July 15th to 18th. Participants will learn from fellow garden educators about outdoor group management techniques, standards-aligned activities, how to sustain garden programs, and more. All participants will receive a stipend (amount contingent upon final funding). Applications received by April 2nd will receive a notification of acceptance by April 11th. Applications received after April 2nd will be notified of acceptance on a rolling basis until full. Click here to learn more and apply: https://forms.gle/FSrY3pD37HsdFaJs6
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Spring into School Gardening event last weekend! It was a huge success and a great way to kick off spring! Teachers came from across the District to pick up free garden supplies, learn how to plant strawberries and prepare garden beds, and connect with one another. One teacher shared they learned through this event that "all school gardening does not have to look the same." Each school garden has different strengths and challenges to overcome. Our hope through events and programs like this one is to help teachers feel more supported in their school garden work and more connected with others doing the same throughout D.C. . . . #nationalarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #dc #dcps #dcteachers #dcevent #teacher #dceducator #schoolgarden #schoolgardens #garden