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N° 219 — October 30, 2024
Enjoy regular updates and insights from FONA, the U.S. National Arboretum, and our award-winning Washington Youth Garden.
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If you need space for peace, quiet, and reflection over the next few weeks, the National Arboretum is here for you.
The Arboretum's 451 acres of gardens, collections, and green space are free and open to the public. The grounds are open from 8 AM to 5 PM every day except for December 25th, and parking is free.
Learn About the Arboretum's Gardens & Collections >
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Hundreds of people helped us celebrate fall last Saturday in the Washington Youth Garden during our Bulb Sale & Garlic Planting Party. Visitors tasted freshly juiced sugar cane and seasonal soups, had their herbal cards read, made floral garlands with dried flowers from the Pollinator Garden, and bought bulbs to plant in their own gardens.
Attendees planted eight beds of garlic in WYG that will be harvested next year. They also helped us harvest over 300 pounds of sweet potatoes, all of which will be shared with students and their families at our upcoming partner school food giveaways.
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Thank you to all who joined us! This annual event is particularly special to FONA's team. It gives us a chance to thank everyone who supported and volunteered in WYG throughout the year, and also to welcome newcomers into the space and FONA's larger community.
Please fill out our short event survey if you attended the Bulb Sale & Garlic Planting Party. We want to continue to improve our events and appreciate all the feedback you can provide.
Complete the Event Survey >
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Julia da Silva, the Arboretum's Interpretive Specialist, has spent the last two years uncovering the history of the men who built much of the National Arboretum's infrastructure. Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Company 1360 was an all-Black unit stationed at the Arboretum from 1933 to 1941. During that time, they prepared the land for horticultural plantings by clearing and grading it, building roads and bridges, constructing greenhouses, and more.
Last week, Julia shared about the enduring legacy of Co. 1360 at our latest Digging In virtual event.
Watch the Recorded Lecture >
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Photos courtesy of U.S. National Arboretum | |
Photos courtesy of U.S. National Arboretum | |
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You are also invited to celebrate Co. 1360's legacy with the National Arboretum! On Saturday, November 9th at 11 AM, the Arboretum will host an in-person ceremony in the Grove, right where the company's camp used to stand. The Arboretum will unveil new signage that will permanently honor Co. 1360's contribution to the National Arboretum.
This event is free and open to the public. Parking is available in the Grove Parking Lot, and the event will take place on the side of the Grove near Azalea Road and the Ellipse Meadow.
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Winter Holiday Events Update | |
FONA will not host the Winter Festival this year with holiday vendors and kids activities. However, we will still hold a Christmas Tree Sale at the Arboretum from 10 AM to 4 PM on Saturday, December 7th. We hope to host the Winter Festival again in the future.
Trees will soon be available for pre-order. You will be able to have them delivered to your house, or you can pick them up at the Arboretum on December 7th. While preordering guarantees you a quality tree, it is not required! You can shop for Christmas trees, wreaths, and garlands in-person during the December 7th sale. Stay tuned — more information is coming soon!
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Call for Event Volunteers | |
We are looking for volunteers to support FONA's upcoming community events, particularly the Fall 5K on Sunday, November 10th and Christmas Tree Sale on Saturday, December 7th. 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 >
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Stop by the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum this Saturday, November 2nd between 1:30 PM and 3 PM for a special display of chrysanthemum bonsai. Students of the Arboretum's Bonsai Basics course will present chrysanthemum bonsai they have trained since May. The public is invited to watch these presentations, but are asked to stay silent during the class discussions. The event will take place in the Museum's Upper Courtyard, or in the Visitor Center Auditorium in the event of inclement weather.
The Museum's Autumn Arts of Nature: Bonsai, Stones, and Mums exhibit is ongoing through November 17th (except on November 11th for Veteran's Day).
Learn More About the Autumn Exhibit >
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Photo by U.S. National Arboretum | |
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Digging In: Directors Discussion
December 3, 12 PM - 1 PM
Members-only virtual lecture
Become a Member to Join the Event >
Christmas Tree Sale
December 7, 10 AM - 4 PM
Christmas trees, wreaths, and garlands
Save the date — more details to come
Gotelli Conifer Collection Tour
December 13, 10:30 AM
FONA members will get early access to registration before it opens to the public
Become a Member to Register Early >
Forest Bathing Walks
Various dates and times
Meditation and mindfulness
Upcoming Dates & Registration >
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