Photo by Kelsey Cochran

N° 199 — May 22, 2024

Enjoy regular updates and insights from FONA, the U.S. National Arboretum, and our award-winning Washington Youth Garden.

Fishing Night & Extended Hours

Join FONA for some evening fun at the Arboretum on Sunday, June 2nd!


We are co-hosting another fishing night at the Arboretum with the Anacostia Riverkeeper. Join us along the banks of the Anacostia River on June 2nd from 4 PM to 7 PM and learn how to fish. No experience is necessary and all ages are welcome. All supplies and fishing instruction are provided. This event is free, but reservations are required.


Sign Up for the Fishing Night >

Photo courtesy of Anacostia Riverkeeper

The entire Arboretum will also remain open to the public for extended evening hours on June 2nd until 8 PM. Thanks to FONA, this is free for all to enjoy!


Plus, Jarabe will be giving away free popsicles in front of the Visitor Center to the first 100 visitors starting at 5 PM.


Please note that only the R Street entrance will be open for this day's extended hours. Registration is not required, but visit the Eventbrite to learn more.


Learn More about Extended Hours >

Arboretum Spotlight: George Waters

The National Arboretum's Dogwood Collection is particularly beautiful this time of year as dogwood flowers cascade from tree tops and summer flowers line garden beds. But have you ever wondered what it takes to manage the collection?


George Waters is the Agricultural Science and Research Technician who manages both the Dogwood Collection and Gotelli Conifer Collection. We sat down with George last year to shine a light on his work.


Read the Arbor Friends Article >

Photo by Kelsey Cochran

Weekend Wrap-Up

A sold out crowd listened, sang, and danced to music from Cumbia Heights last weekend during our spring Music in the Meadow concert. Thank you to everyone who joined us!


Please fill out our event survey if you attended this concert. We want to continue to improve these events and appreciate all the feedback you can provide.


Event Survey >

If you couldn't make this past concert — fear not! We are hosting another Music in the Meadow concert with Wylder on Saturday, June 8th from 7 PM to 8:30 PM.


Tickets just went live! Please pay what you can to attend this event. Our suggested ticket price is $25 (or $20 for FONA members). Children 12 and under are free, but tickets are required. Only the Ellipse Meadow and the National Herb Garden will be open to attendees for this event.


Upcoming Concert Details & Tickets >

Photo by Kelsey Cochran

Call for Event Volunteers

We are looking for volunteers to support FONA's community events, particularly our upcoming summer concert on June 8th and outdoor movie in July. Volunteers provide critical support and help these events run smoothly. No experience is necessary.


Fill out our volunteer interest form and we'll get back to you soon with more information.


Volunteer Interest Form >

Spring Field Trips

Students from across Washington, D.C. have visited the Washington Youth Garden this spring for SPROUT field trips. During these excursions, students get to follow their curiosity (and taste buds) as they engage with hands-on activity stations and explore the garden and the Nature Explore Classroom.


KIPP DC Spring Academy recently brought 1st and 2nd graders to the garden for field trips. Check out the Instagram Reel they made to see what these field trips are all about!


Watch the Video >

Vote for Best of DC

Vote for the National Arboretum and FONA in this year's Best of DC contest that is hosted by Washington City Paper. Your vote helps more people discover the Arboretum and all it has to offer! Don't delay — voting closes at 5PM on June 10th.


Please vote for the following categories:

Upcoming FONA Events

Fishing Night

June 2, 4 PM - 7 PM

Free fishing along the Anacostia

Details & Registration >


Extended Evening Hours

June 2, 5 PM - 8 PM

Arboretum grounds stay open to the public

Details & Registration >


Grow the Garden Party

June 8, 11 AM - 1 PM

Celebrating the expansion of WYG with activities, face painting, food trucks, & more

Details & Registration >


Music in the Meadow: Wylder

June 8, 7 PM - 8:30 PM

Evening concert with modern folk vibes

Purchase a Ticket >


Forest Bathing Walks

Various dates and times

Meditation and mindfulness

Upcoming Dates & Registration >

The Arboretum is open every day from 8 AM to 5 PM except December 25th.

Check Our Website for Full Details >

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Friends of the National Arboretum
3501 New York Ave NE
Washington, DC 20002
202.544.8733
FONA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization with the mission to preserve and enhance a vibrant public space and support experiential programming that instills a love of plants, nature and the outdoors in all who visit, while promoting the overarching research and education mission of the U.S. National Arboretum.

Since its inception, FONA has helped support the Washington Youth Garden, Capitol Columns, Flowering Tree Walk, horticultural and research internships, restoration of Springhouse Run, and much more.

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