N° 121 — October 26, 2022

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

Photo from National Arboretum

Director's Corner

Dr. Richard T. Olsen, the U.S. National Arboretum's Director, recently sat down with WUSA9 TV to discuss fall foliage at the National Arboretum and the Arboretum's environmental initiatives and research projects. Watch a sneak peak of the interview now, or catch the full interview on WUSA9 Thursday, October 27th during the evening news or Friday, October 28th during the morning news.


Interview Preview >

Eagle Update

Mr. President and LOTUS, the Arboretum's resident pair of mating bald eagles, began rebuilding their nest this weekend. They will spend more time there during the winter months and may lay eggs in late winter.


The American Eagle Foundation installed two new upgraded nest cameras this summer. You can watch the eagle's construction efforts live, or get highlights by following the National Arboretum eagle camera Instagram account.


Watch the Live Feed >

Photo from National Arboretum and American Eagle Foundation

Support FONA: Commemorative Benches

When you donate a bench at the National Arboretum, you make your legacy a tangible part of the National Arboretum landscape.


Each commemorative bench will have a plaque engraved with your message and will remain for 15 years. This memorial provides a beautiful spot for respite and relaxation for visitors to the Arboretum. The donation also supports the Arboretum's public gardens and scientific work.


Learn More About our Commemorative Bench Program >

Don't Forget!

There's a lot happening at the National Arboretum this weekend! Attend these special events and programs and explore the peak fall foliage afterwards:


  • Storing Tropical Plants in Temperate Climates in-person program on Saturday, October 29th from 10 AM to 11 AM ($12, FONA members use your discount code, registration required)


  • Garlic Planting Party in Washington Youth Garden on Saturday, October 29th from 11 AM to 2 PM (free and open to all ages, registration preferred)

Our Ratings

Thank you to all who wrote a candid review of FONA and helped us earn a badge from GreatNonprofits!


We are committed to being transparent with our supporters. We are honored by the trust our stakeholders put in us so we can continue making meaningful change in our community together.


Read What People Have to Say >

Upcoming Events

Garlic Planting Party

October 29, 11 AM - 2 PM

Fall planting and crafts in WYG

Details & Tickets >


Fall 5K

November 12, 9 AM

Run or walk through stunning fall foliage

FONA Members, use your discount code

Register for the Race >


Christmas Tree Sale

December 3, 10 AM - 4 PM

Shop holiday greenery

Details & Tree Info >


Winter Festival

December 10, 10 AM - 4 PM

Local vendors, holiday greenery, and free family activities

Details & Tickets >


Forest Bathing

Various dates and times

Meditation and mindfulness

Purchase Your Ticket >

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

Check Our Website for Full Details >

CONNECT WITH US:
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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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