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N° 208 — August 14, 2024
Enjoy regular updates and insights from FONA, the U.S. National Arboretum, and our award-winning Washington Youth Garden.
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This year’s Summer Institute for Garden-based Teaching gathered teams of educators from 15 D.C. schools for a week of workshops, garden tours, and activities at the National Arboretum. This program not only helps teachers blend school gardens into their classrooms and greater school communities, but it also builds a strong network of support around them so they don’t have to do it alone. | |
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The Summer Institute builds this community by inviting experts from other gardening and education organizations across the District to present and lead workshops. Program alumni also shared their own school garden experiences since attending a FONA program. Many also gave tours of their school gardens.
As the week came to a close, 100% of the educators felt that the Summer Institute was not only a useful training, but that they were likely to use what they learned in their teaching practice. As one teacher noted, “I loved all of the examples of activities and lessons to use with our students! Very practical and helps me to see the through-line.”
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We are excited to welcome two fantastic speakers for this year's Dinner Under the Stars! Senator Debbie Stabenow, Chairwoman of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee, and Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson, Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, will both serve as keynote speakers.
Join us on Tuesday, September 17th from 5:30 PM to 9 PM for this wonderful event. The Dinner is a great way to mix and mingle with friends, colleagues, business leaders, and government representatives. Plus, the full moon will add a special beauty to the evening. Don't delay! Reserve your table or tickets today to secure your spot.
Reserve Your Spot at the Dinner >
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Don't miss your last chance for some fun in the evening summer sun! The final summer extended evening hours is next Friday, August 23rd. The grounds will remain open to the public until 8 PM. This is free for all, and is made possible by FONA and the Capitol Hill Community Foundation.
FONA members can stop by the Member Social in the Ellipse Meadow from 5 PM to 8 PM. Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy refreshments, a family-friendly activity, and a chance to connect with other members. This social is a free, drop-in opportunity for all FONA members!
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Having a will secures your legacy and allows you to plan ahead for the people, places, and causes you care about. Thanks to FONA's partnership with FreeWill, it's super easy to participate in Make-a-Will Month this August. FreeWill is a free online resource that allows you to make or update your will in 20 minutes or less.
You don't have to include FONA in your will in order to use FreeWill. But if you choose to do so, your legacy will help FONA secure the National Arboretum's legacy, too. You'll help us preserve and enhance the National Arboretum's beautiful public green space for generations to come.
When you include FONA in your legacy plans, you will also be invited to join FONA's Heritage Society. This is a dedicated group of individuals who share a commitment to the Arboretum and a love of plants, science, and nature.
Create or Update Your Will Today >
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In 1976, fifty-three bonsai were gifted to the American people by the Nippon Bonsai Association in celebration of the bi-centennial. These became the first trees of the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum. Among those plants is a Japanese White Pine (Pinus parviflora ‘Miyajima’) that has been in training for almost 400 years. This plant was carefully raised by the Yamaki family for generations before Masaru Yamaki donated it as part of the gift. The Yamaki Pine survived the American bombing of Hiroshima, Japan in 1945, along with the Yamaki family and their other bonsai. The origins of this plant were unknown until Masaru Yamaki’s grandsons tracked down the tree in 2001. The significance of this gift is deeply felt at the National Arboretum, and it sits in a place of honor at the entrance to the Japanese Pavilion in the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum.
Kamala Codrington-White, an ORISE fellow at the National Arboretum, shares plants of note at the Arboretum in this recurring segment. Find these plants on your next trip to the Arboretum. Top photo by U.S. National Arboretum.
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4th Fridays Summer Evening Hours
August 23, 5 PM - 8 PM
Arboretum grounds stay open to the public
Community Fishing
August 24, 9 AM - 12 PM
Free fishing along the Anacostia
Add Your Name to the Waitlist >
Music in the Meadow: Rochelle Rice
September 6, 7 PM - 8:30 PM
Outdoor concert with jazz, folk, & soul vibes
Purchase a Ticket >
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