In honor of the 200th edition of FONA Field Notes, I want to personally thank each and every one of you for being a part of FONA’s community and for tuning into this newsletter every week. 

We created FONA Field Notes in April 2020 at the onset of COVID to help people feel connected to the National Arboretum. We wanted people to discover new things about the Arboretum’s horticultural research and collections. As the world opened back up again, we wanted to invite people onto the grounds to experience events and programs hosted by the Arboretum, FONA, and other Arboretum stakeholders.

I am humbled by how this newsletter has grown over the past four years and 200 issues. Our FONA Field Notes audience has expanded by 50% since it began — we now send this to over 18,000 people each week. This newsletter has also enabled FONA to take a leadership role in communicating on behalf of the National Arboretum, especially for time-sensitive seasonal updates.

I am also grateful for how much I have learned and grown as this newsletter’s editor. While I have always been closely connected to botany, nature, and gardening, I have enjoyed exploring these topics even more in order to share them with you, my gentle reader. Thank you for tuning in and for giving me this wonderful opportunity to learn alongside you.

We want to continue making this newsletter even better for many years to come. Please fill out this quick, anonymous survey (3 to 5 minutes long) to provide feedback on FONA Field Notes and to let us know how we’re doing.

Until next week,

Soak up the sunset this Sunday during the next extended evening hours. Thanks to FONA, the Arboretum will stay open to the public until 8 PM on June 2nd.

Don't forget to stop by the Visitor Center to pick up a popsicle! Jarabe will be giving away free popsicles to the first 100 visitors starting at 5 PM. They will also have them for sale.

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 >

You might see the National Arboretum's newest introduction growing along Washington, D.C.'s streets as early as next year. Casey Trees recently acquired 50 specimens of 'Strawberry Moon' Chitalpa (×Chitalpa tashkentensis 'Strawberry Moon') to grow in their nursery. The Arboretum released 'Strawberry Moon' into the American nursery industry last fall. Its reduced fruit set, pink flowers, powdery mildew resistance, and appealing tree form make it ideal for the urban landscape.

Casey Trees is a local nonprofit committed to restoring, enhancing, and protecting D.C.'s tree canopy. They were "immediately captivated" by what 'Strawberry Moon' could offer as an urban tree. Casey Trees hopes to starts planting them throughout the city beginning next year.

Read More from Casey Trees >

Tickets are going fast for our upcoming Music in the Meadow concert on Saturday, June 8th. Come enjoy music by Wylder, a local band with modern folk vibes. This concert starts at 7 PM, and registration is required to enter the Arboretum for this event.

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 >

The D.C. Department of Energy and the Environment is hosting their first annual Resource Fair this Saturday, June 1st from noon to 4 PM at Kingman Island. The free event will showcase DOEE and partner resources that are available to D.C. residents. Attendees can also enjoy art activities, kayaking, fishing lessons, and more!

Learn More About the Event >

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 >

Fishing Night

June 2, 4 PM - 7 PM

Free fishing along the Anacostia

Add Your Name to the Waitlist >

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 >