|
N° 249 — June 4, 2025
Enjoy regular updates and insights from FONA, the U.S. National Arboretum, and our award-winning Washington Youth Garden.
| | National Arboretum staff at last year's Dinner Under the Stars. Photo by Lissa Ryan Photography. | | |
This Friday's summer evening hours (June 6th) are sponsored by an anonymous donor in honor of the U.S. National Arboretum staff. This sponsor wants to share their gratitude for all of the Arboretum's staff's hard work.
We are grateful to this anonymous donor for their support of FONA and the National Arboretum. This sponsorship coincides with a staff appreciation barbecue that FONA will host for Arboretum staff.
| | As summer eagerly knocks at the Arboretum's door, we are excited to share our current calendar of summer events with you. With FONA keeping the Arboretum open until 8 PM all summer long*, we are working to add more evening visitor programs and experiences as our capacity allows. Please stay tuned to FONA Field Notes for updates. | | | | |
Summer Evening Hours
June 1 - August 30* | 5 PM - 8 PM
FONA will keep the National Arboretum open until 8 PM all summer long, from June 1st through August 30th.* Summer nights at the Arboretum are a special experience filled with lightning bugs, sunset-hued picnics, and long walks in quiet collections. We hope you will visit the Arboretum soon to experience it for yourself.
*Current exclusions include June 7, June 14, and June 21. Visit our website to read important evening hour details, like which gate to use, which facilities will be open, and more.
Evening Hours Details >
| | | | |
Food Truck Fridays
June 13 - August 29* | 5 PM - 7:30 PM
We are working to bring a wide variety of food trucks to the National Arboretum for as many Fridays as we can this summer! So far, District Flames will join us on Friday, June 13th and Taco Dirty To Me will join us on Friday, June 27th.
We want to know what kind of food vendors you would like to see at Food Truck Fridays. Please email us to let us know!
Email Us What Food Vendors You Want to See >
| | | | |
Member Appreciation Night
Friday, June 20 | 5 PM - 7 PM
We're raising a glass to our FONA members! We'll share good company, seasonal sips, live music, and gratitude for their support during this special evening event. Want to become a FONA member and attend members-only events like this one? Donate any amount to join!
Donate to Join FONA & Enjoy Event Perks >
| | | | |
Community Fishing
Friday, June 20 | 5 PM - 8 PM
Fish along the Anacostia River at the National Arboretum with FONA and Anacostia Riverkeeper. No fishing experience is necessary and all ages are welcome to join. Anacostia Riverkeeper will provide all supplies and fishing instruction. Pre-registration is required for this free event.
Learn More & Register >
| | | | |
Father's Day Forest Bathing
Saturday, June 21 | 9 AM - 11 AM
Slow down and open your senses to nature at the National Arboretum. Certified nature and forest therapy guides lead this special guided meditation and mindfulness experience. Our suggested ticket price is $35 ($28 for FONA members), but please pay what you can to attend.
Learn More & Register >
| | | | |
Forest Bathing
Saturday, July 12 | 9 AM - 11 AM
Slow down and open your senses to nature at the National Arboretum. Certified nature and forest therapy guides lead this special guided meditation and mindfulness experience. Our suggested ticket price is $35 ($28 for FONA members), but please pay what you can to attend.
Learn More & Register >
| | | | |
Morning Member Walk
Friday, July 25 | 8 AM - 9:30 AM
FONA members, gather together for a casual morning stroll around the Arboretum. Explore collections in full summer bloom as you meet other FONA supporters. Want to become a FONA member and attend members-only events like this one? Donate any amount to join!
Donate to Join FONA & Enjoy Event Perks >
| | | | |
Music in the Meadow: Buck Forty Nine
Friday, July 25 | 6 PM - 8 PM
Stomp your feet to Buck Forty Nine’s Americana vibes as the sun sets over the Arboretum’s Capitol Columns. This concert is free to attend, but a $15 suggested donation to FONA is encouraged. Registration is not required, but please register to let us know you're coming and to receive weather-related event updates.
Learn More & Register >
| | | | |
Forest Bathing
Saturday, August 16 | 9 AM - 11 AM
Slow down and open your senses to nature at the National Arboretum. Certified nature and forest therapy guides lead this special guided meditation and mindfulness experience. Our suggested ticket price is $35 ($28 for FONA members), but please pay what you can to attend.
Learn More & Register >
| | | | |
Farewell to Summer Member Walk
Wednesday, August 27 | 6 PM - 8 PM
FONA members, help us say farewell to summer (and our summer evening hours!). This casual stroll will offer members a chance to connect with one another and appreciate a beautiful evening at the Arboretum. Want to become a FONA member and attend members-only events like this one? Donate any amount to join!
Donate to Join FONA & Enjoy Event Perks >
| | Events Hosted by the National Arboretum | | | | |
Under the Arbor: Tussie Mussie
Saturday, June 28 | 1 PM - 4 PM
The Philadelphia Unit of The Herb Society of America will demonstrate how to make tussie mussies and will share the meanings and symbolism of the herbs in them. Visitors can also take a tussie mussie home! This is a free, informal, drop-in event open to the public in the National Herb Garden.
| | |
From June 1st through August 30th, the Arboretum will be open from 8 AM to 8 PM (some exclusions apply where the Arboretum will close at 5 PM). Last admittance onto the grounds is at 7:30 PM.
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. | |
Did a friend forward you this newsletter?
| | | | |
