FONA Field Notes #235: Standing With the National Arboretum

N° 235 — February 19, 2025

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

Supporting the National Arboretum

Friends of the National Arboretum stands with, and stands for, the U.S. National Arboretum. We are committed to supporting the National Arboretum and to being the best private partner possible for our federal colleagues.

The National Arboretum is here for you. If you need a moment of peace and connection with nature, the National Arboretum’s 451 acres of gardens, collections, and open space are open for you to visit. Admission and parking are free, and the grounds are open from 8 AM to 5 PM every day, except December 25th.

Learn More About Visiting the Arboretum >

Photo by Beth Haubach

5K Military Discounts

For the upcoming Flowering 5K, we are excited to offer registration discounts to veterans, active duty, and reserve military members. Join us for the race on Sunday, March 23rd as we celebrate spring at the National Arboretum.

Free registration is available for the first 50 veterans who sign up, made possible by support from the National Environmental Education Foundation. Active duty and reserve military members can also receive 20% off their registration. Email info@fona.org for these coupon codes or with any questions.

Spring Preparations

Although winter is still upon us in Washington, D.C., it's time to start planning your spring garden. In our recent School Garden Gateway newsletter, Garden Co-Manager Emilia Kawashima shared tips for what, where, and when to plant this spring.

Read Emilia's Garden Tips >

School Garden Gateway features upcoming programs, events, and resources with a school garden focus offered by FONA and other local partners. It is created by FONA's School Garden Support program team.

From our Friends: Rooting DC

Rooting DC is the District's central meeting ground for individuals, nonprofits, businesses, and government entities looking to grow gardens and a healthier food system in D.C. The annual event features interactive workshops, panel discussions, and an Information Fair. This year's event will be held on Saturday, March 8th from 9 AM to 4 PM at Eastern Senior High School. It is free for everyone to attend, but registration is required.

Upcoming Events

Spring into School Gardening

Saturday, March 22

Free resources for educators, in WYG

Save the date — more info coming soon

Flowering 5K

Sunday, March 23, 8:30 AM

Run or walk through collections in bloom

FONA members get 20% off registration

Native Plant Sale

Saturday, March 29, 8 AM - 1 PM

Local native plant vendors, hosted by FONA

Learn More >

38th Annual Lahr Native Plant Symposium

Saturday, March 29, 9 AM - 4 PM

Learn from experts about native plants, pollinators, and ecosystems, hosted by USNA

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

Check Our Website for Full Details >

It's now easier than ever to become a FONA member. Donate any amount to join or renew your membership for one year, or pledge to give monthly and support our work all year round as a Sustaining Member. There are also many tax-smart donation options.

Become a Member

Other Ways to Support FONA

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.

More Information about FONA's Mission & Leadership >

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