|
N° 250 — June 11, 2025
Enjoy regular updates and insights from FONA, the U.S. National Arboretum, and our award-winning Washington Youth Garden.
| | |
Within its 451 acres of gardens and collections, the National Arboretum has nine miles of paved roads that are perfect for biking. But can you bike to the Arboretum from other parts of D.C.? Yes! Many FONA staff bike to work every day using the city's growing network of bike lanes.
D.C. has 114 miles of bike lanes that are managed by the District Department of Transportation (DDOT). Many of these connect to the District's 67 miles of multi-use trails, also managed by DDOT in partnership with the National Park Service (NPS). DDOT recently built two protected lanes near the Arboretum: one on West Virginia Avenue NE just west of the Arboretum, and the other on 17th Street NE and Mt. Olive Road NE just south of the Arboretum.
Map of D.C.'s Bike Lanes >
Map of D.C.'s Bike Trails >
| | Claire Alrich, FONA's Development Officer, commutes by bike to the Arboretum from the Brookland neighborhood. | | |
DDOT is also working with NPS to build a pedestrian bridge and trail over the Anacostia River. This would connect NPS' Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens on the eastern shore with the National Arboretum on the western bank. DDOT also hopes this bridge will increase the connection between the D.C. communities on eastern and western sides of the river. This project is still in the feasibility stages, but construction is anticipated to start in spring 2026.
Learn More About the Project >
| | | | | |
Grab a delicious bite to eat during your Friday evening adventures at the National Arboretum! This Friday, June 13th, District Flames will serve up fresh food from the BBQ. Find them from 5 PM to 7:30 PM on Meadow Road near the Visitor Center.
Food Truck Fridays is one of FONA's new initiatives during summer evening hours. We are working to bring a wide variety of food trucks to the Arboretum for as many Fridays as possible this summer!
| | |
We're thrilled to announce the return of Dinner Under the Stars, FONA's signature fundraising celebration, on Tuesday, September 9th.
Join leaders across agriculture, conservation, and policy sectors for an unforgettable evening of connection and impact at the National Arboretum. Set against the backdrop of the Capitol Columns, this open-air event features cocktails, a tented dinner, and opportunities to engage with key figures from industry, Capitol Hill, and the Administration.
Tables sponsorships are now open — and they go quickly! Reserve early and maximize your visibility in front of this influential audience.
Learn More About Dinner Sponsorships >
Pledge & Reserve a Table >
| | | Teachers participating in the 2024 Summer Institute for Garden-based Teaching. | | |
As school in the District winds to a close, FONA's summer programs are about to begin! Our team is busy preparing summer programs that will connect both families and teachers with garden learning in the Washington Youth Garden.
During an upcoming family workshop in WYG, we will host a read-along and cook a recipe from The Juneteenth Cookbook. In July, 40 teachers will attend the Summer Institute in WYG, where they will expand their knowledge of how to garden and incorporate garden education into their classrooms.
We would like to gift books to these families and teachers to take back into their homes and classrooms. And you can help us! Each copy purchased through our Politics and Prose wishlist shares the gift of growing and cooking with our participants and their children and students.
Purchase a Book From Our Wishlist >
| | What exactly is forest bathing? Also known as Shinrin-yoku in Japan, forest bathing is the simple practice of taking in the woods through the senses for health benefits. The Japanese have enjoyed Shinrin-yoku for decades as a regular public health initiative. FONA works with certified nature and forest therapy guides to bring this practice to the National Arboretum. | | | | | |
FONA's forest bathing walks consists of three 'invitations'. A guide prompts participants to reflect on a particular aspect of the natural world around them, gives them time to wander and meditate throughout a collection, then reconvenes to share reflections.
Join our next forest bathing walk on Saturday, June 21st from 9 AM to 11 AM. The suggested ticket price is $35 ($28 for FONA members), but please pay what you can to attend.
Register for the June Forest Bathing Walk >
| | Many ornamental plants require moderate amounts of moisture, leaving gardeners in dry locations with few drought-tolerant options. The desert willow, however, is happiest in warm, dry gardens, as it is native to the southwest United States. Despite its range, this fast-growing tree is hardy to Zone 7 and can tolerate even clay-laden soils, making it a perfect plant for the D.C. area. It produces narrow leaves and panicles of bright pink, purple, or white flowers that attract hummingbirds and bees. Though they are prone to self-seeding and becoming weedy, sterile varieties are available in multiple colors. | | | | | |
This species is a parent of xChitalpa ‘Strawberry Moon,’ which was introduced by the National Arboretum in 2023. Chilopsis linearis are planted in the Visitor Center’s East Terrace by the koi pool. These plants were seedlings selected by the U.S. National Arboretum’s director Dr. Richard Olsen while he was a PhD student at North Carolina State University.
Kamala Codrington-White, an Agricultural Science Research Technician 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.
| | From our Friends: National Link Trust | |
Hone your golf skills for free, right next door to the National Arboretum! National Links Trust will host a Free Lesson Friday at the Langston Golf Course on June 20th from 5 PM to 7 PM. All equipment is provided, and no experience is needed to participate. The event will feature free golf instruction for youth and adults, games, drinks for sale, and contests. Registration is requested but not required.
Learn More & Register >
| | | | | |
Summer Evening Hours
June 1 - August 30*, 5 PM - 8 PM
Arboretum grounds stay open to the public
*Excludes June 7, June 14, June 21
Important Evening Hours Details >
Food Truck Fridays
June 13 - August 29, 5 PM - 7:30 PM
Food vendors on select Friday evenings
See Calendar for Upcoming Vendors >
Member Appreciation Night
Friday, June 20, 5 PM - 7 PM
Seasonal sips, live music, and gratitude for FONA members
Donate to Join FONA & Enjoy Members-Only Events >
Community Fishing
Friday, June 20, 5 PM - 8 PM
Free fishing along the Anacostia River
Join the Waitlist >
| | |
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?
| | | | |
