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N° 259 — August 13, 2025
Enjoy regular updates and insights from FONA, the U.S. National Arboretum, and our award-winning Washington Youth Garden.
| | | | Dog of the Year Photo Contest | Voting is now open for our Dog of the Year photo contest! Over the next two weeks, 32 dogs will vie for top dog of the Arboretum. Voting is open to the public, and people can vote once per day now through August 27th. We will announce the winner at our Dog Days Celebration on Wednesday, August 27th. | | |
Here's the voting schedule:
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Round 1: Aug. 13, 6 PM – Aug. 15, 11:59 PM
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Round 2: Aug. 16, 12 AM – Aug. 18, 11:59 PM
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Quarterfinals: Aug. 19, 12 AM – Aug. 21, 11:59 PM
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Semifinals: Aug. 22, 12 AM – Aug. 24, 11:59 PM
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Finals: Aug. 25, 12 AM – Aug. 27, 5:00 PM
Vote for Dog of the Year >
| | Juno, courtesy of John Healey | | | | |
Stop by our community "pup-ups" this August and celebrate the canine companions that enjoy the National Arboretum. These drop-in events are free, open for all to enjoy, and will take place between 5:30 PM and 7:30 PM on the following days:
On Thursday, August 14th, meet adoptable dogs from Brandywine Valley SPCA, learn about their Shelter Skip Days, drop off shelter donations, and grab a doggy snack for your own canine. This event will take place in the Grove.
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On Thursday, August 21st, meet Washington Capitals goalie Logan Thompson and your new best friend! The Humane Rescue Alliance will have adoptable dogs to meet, and Logan will share how he and his fiancé Linnea are helping rescue animals in D.C. Pup-up sponsor Fetch! Pet Care will also give out free pup-cups. This event will take place in the Grove.
On Wednesday, August 27th, join our Dog Days Celebration! We'll announce the winner of the Dog of the Year photo contest and celebrate FONA's Arboretum dog community. Pup-up sponsor Fetch! Pet Care will also give out free pup-cups. This event will take place behind Arbor House.
Learn More About Dog Days "Pup-ups" >
| | | | | Search for FONA's New Executive Director | |
As we shared earlier this week, Craven Rand will step down as FONA's Executive Director at the end of this year. Since 2019, Craven's steady leadership has transformed FONA into a strong partner for the National Arboretum. He guided FONA through the COVID-19 pandemic, expanded our programs, and maximized our community impact. Everyone at FONA is incredibly grateful for Craven's unwavering compassion and commitment to the team and the organization.
We have been planning for Craven's transition. Brianne Studer, FONA's longtime Director of Programs, was promoted to Chief Operating Officer earlier this year. Her experience and deep institutional knowledge will be essential as we move into FONA's next chapter.
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FONA has begun the search for a new Executive Director. This person will provide visionary leadership and strategic direction while driving the organization's mission and goals forward. They will lead all fundraising initiatives, oversee program execution, and and ensure impactful delivery of organizational priorities. Applications are currently being accepted, and are expected to close on September 12th.
Executive Director Job Description >
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There are only three more Food Truck Fridays before summer evening hours end on August 30th. Find these food trucks on the following Fridays from 5 PM to 7:30 PM on Meadow Road near the Visitor Center:
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Don't miss our Carnivorous Plant & Bog Workshop this Saturday, August 16th from 2 PM to 4 PM. Learn from Cultivate the City how to care for and propagate carnivorous plants and create a thriving bog garden at home. Depending on which ticket you purchase, you will either build a bog of your own during the class, or will take a carnivorous plant home to plant later. Tickets are available for $30 and $60, and include different quantities of plants and gardening materials. FONA members, email us for the $5 member discount code.
Register for the Workshop >
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Thank you to this weekend's summer evening sponsors! This Friday's summer evening hours are sponsored by Liz Dugan in celebration of the Arboretum's Fern Valley Native Plant Collection. In this garden, native plants from across the eastern United States create a beautiful, ever-changing landscape to explore year-round.
This Saturday's summer evening hours are sponsored by the Capital Dog Training Club of Washington, D.C. This organization is run by volunteers and provides training and activities for dogs and their handlers from puppy classes, Canine Good Citizen, all the way up to advanced dog sport training. They're happy to support more Arboretum sniffy walks!
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FONA is also hiring a Communications Coordinator. This full-time, permanent position will join FONA's growing communications team. They will support our programs, events, and development needs by coordinating a variety of channels such as newsletters (like this one!), social media, website, signage, and more.
Applications are currently being accepted and will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting after August 20th, with an expected cutoff date of September 8th. We strongly encourage you to apply by August 20th in order to be considered for this position.
Apply for the Communications Coordinator Position >
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Summer Evening Hours
June 1 - August 30, 5 PM - 8 PM
Arboretum grounds stay open to the public
Important Evening Hours Details >
Dog Days "Pup-up"
Thursday, August 14, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Drop-in event with Brandywine Valley SPCA
Learn More About "Pup-ups" >
Food Truck Friday: Timber Pizza
Friday, August 15, 5 PM - 7:30 PM
Serving wood-fired pizza
Carnivorous Plant & Bog Garden Workshop
Saturday, August 16, 2 PM - 4 PM
Learn how to care for and build a bog garden
Learn More & Register >
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Forest Bathing
Saturday, August 16, 9 AM - 11 AM
Guided meditation & mindfulness
Join the Waitlist >
Evening Yoga
Wednesday, August 20, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Outdoor yoga for all skill levels
Learn More & Register >
Dog Days "Pup-up"
Thursday, August 21, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Drop-in event with Humane Rescue Alliance
Learn More About "Pup-ups" >
Food Truck Friday: Taco Dirty To Me
Friday, August 22, 5 PM - 7:30 PM
Serving fusion tacos
Evening Sound Bathing
Tuesday, August 26, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Refresh your mind with soothing soundscapes
Class Schedule & Registration >
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Evening Forest Bathing
Wednesday, August 27, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Guided meditation & mindfulness
Learn More & Register >
Dog Days "Pup-up"
Wednesday, August 27, time TBD
Photo contest winner announced & celebration
Learn More About "Pup-ups" >
Food Truck Friday: Dos Carnales & Frosty Softy
Friday, August 29, 5 PM - 7:30 PM
Serving Mexican food and ice cream
Music in the Meadow: Rock Garden
Friday, September 5, 7 PM - 8:30 PM
Paid outdoor concert with classic rock vibes
Purchase a Ticket >
Dinner Under the Stars
Tuesday, September 9, 5:30 PM - 9 PM
Unforgettable evening of connection & impact
Learn More & Purchase a Ticket >
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The National Arboretum is open from 8 AM to 8 PM through August 30th for summer evening hours. Use the R Street entrance for entry/exit after 2 PM on weekdays or 4:30 PM on weekends. 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. | |
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