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N° 267 — October 8, 2025
Enjoy regular updates and insights from FONA, the U.S. National Arboretum, and our award-winning Washington Youth Garden.
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The National Arboretum remains closed due to the lapse in federal funding. FONA is doing what we can to support the Arboretum, our program partners, and our community.
Our SPROUT field trip program has pivoted to bring field trips into classrooms, rather than bringing classes into the Washington Youth Garden at the Arboretum. With such a tight turnaround, we are prioritizing these trips for our Educator Coaching Program partner schools, and are rescheduling other schools to come to the youth garden in the spring.
| | | Food tasting event at Hendley Elementary School. | | The Educator Coaching Program has continued to build robust garden education teams. Since this program works within D.C. partner schools, rather than at the Arboretum, this work has continued without interruption. FONA staff are supporting the many events happening right now across the five partner schools, especially those for Hispanic Heritage Month. These events celebrate a diversity of food and flavors, introducing students to chicha morada, pico de gallo, horchata, and more. | | Finally, we want to share our immense gratitude for our federal Arboretum colleagues. Many of them are currently furloughed during the shutdown. A very limited number of Arboretum staff are allowed on the grounds to water critical collections, including specimens in the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum. Today and every day, FONA is grateful for the Arboretum staff's service in making the National Arboretum a world-class center for horticultural research, education, and innovation. | | National Arboretum staff at the 2025 Dinner Under the Stars. Photo by Josh Peterson. | | | | |
The National Arboretum is currently accepting applications for the 2026 bonsai apprenticeship. This unique opportunity prepares aspiring horticulturists with the knowledge needed for a career in bonsai collection management. The apprentice will be involved in the day-to-day care of a storied collection of historic bonsai and will receive one-on-one instruction from National Bonsai & Penjing Museum staff to develop skills in the styling and maintenance of bonsai.
This paid full-time, temporary position starts in March 2026 and ends in November 2026. It is based at the National Arboretum in Washington, D.C. Applications will be accepted until November 1, 2025.
Learn More & Apply >
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If you could save one tree species for future generations, which would it be? Susan Bentz, a horticulturist and researcher at the National Arboretum, has spent decades working to save the Eastern and Carolina hemlocks from extinction one cross-pollination at a time.
Read FONA's new Stories from the Field article to learn more about Susan Bentz's contributions to the American nursery industry through her career at the National Arboretum.
Read Stories from the Field >
| | Susan Bentz (left) and Dr. Richard Olsen (right). Photo by Peggy Greb via USDA. | | | | Reflections & Connections | |
With the National Arboretum closed right now, we at FONA have been reflecting on why access to this place is so important for people in our community. This summer, FONA kept the Arboretum open for three extra hours every day for three months straight. We have been deeply moved hearing what this increased access meant to our community.
For so many people, evening access to the Arboretum meant having a place to slow down and be mindful and present in the middle of a bustling city. One person noted that "coming to [to the Arboretum] in the evening had a bigger effect on my life than starting my antidepressants."
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For others, they were able to visit the Arboretum more consistently and frequently because it was open after working hours. Working parents had a place to take their kids after work, and people had a place with less car traffic to exercise and walk their dogs. 20% of the people who completed our evening hour survey said they visited the Arboretum over 20 times during summer evening hours.
Extended access also allowed people to build connections with each other. Friends and families gathered for picnics, and neighbors ran into each other on walks.
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Whether you joined an evening yoga session, enjoyed a Food Truck Friday, or just got to visit when you may not have otherwise been able to, we're so glad people enjoyed summer evening hours.
We know the Arboretum being closed right now leaves a gap in the lives of many in our community. FONA looks forward to welcoming you back to the Arboretum when it opens again. We will continue to build access for all to this wonderful place.
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Ikebana International Chapter 1 of Washington, DC has decided to cancel the October 2025 Exhibition. This was originally scheduled to be held at the National Arboretum from October 9th through October 19th.
The Under the Arbor Chile Celebration, which is scheduled for this Saturday, October 11th, is currently on hold. If the Arboretum reopens before Saturday, this event will proceed as planned from 1 PM to 4 PM in the National Herb Garden. This free, informal, drop-in event is open to the public and is hosted by multiple Mid-Atlantic Units of the Herb Society of America.
| | | | | FONA's events and programs that take place at the Arboretum are paused during the government shutdown. We encourage you to still register for an event in case the situation changes and the event can proceed on the scheduled date. Once you register, FONA staff will reach out to you directly about the event’s status as the date approaches. | |
Community Fishing
Friday, October 17, 3:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Free fishing along the Anascostia River
Learn More & Register >
Extended Evening Hours
Friday, October 17, 5 PM - 6:30 PM
Arboretum grounds stay open to the public
Last admittance at 6 PM
Bird Walk
Saturday, October 18, 9 AM - 11 AM
Guided walk with DC Bird Alliance
Learn More & Register >
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Early Morning Yoga: Bikram Yoga Works
Saturday, October 18, 9 AM - 10 AM
Outdoor yoga for all skill levels
Class Schedule & Registration >
Late Morning Yoga: Bluebird Sky Yoga
Saturday, October 18, 11 AM - 12 PM
Outdoor yoga for all skill levels
Class Schedule & Registration >
Garlic Planting Party & Bulb Sale
Saturday, October 25, 11 AM - 3 PM
Free family activities, fall planting in WYG, edible & ornamental bulb sale
Learn More & Register >
Full Moon Forest Bathing
Wednesday, November 5, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
FONA members get first access to registration starting in early October
Become a FONA Member & Register Early >
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Full Moon Hike
Wednesday, November 5, 7 PM - 9 PM
FONA members get first access to registration starting in early October
Become a FONA Member & Register Early >
Fall 5K
Sunday, November 9, 8:30 AM
Run or walk through stunning fall foliage
Race Registration >
Veteran's Day Forest Bathing
Tuesday, November 11, 9 AM - 11 AM
Guided meditation and mindfulness
Learn More & Register >
Winter Festival & Christmas Tree Sale
Saturday, December 6
Enchanting holiday event with holiday market, free family activities, and tree sale
Save the date — more info coming soon!
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The U.S. National Arboretum is currently closed due to the lapse in federal government funding, and will reopen once Congress restores funding. FONA’s visitor events and educational programs that take place at the National Arboretum are on hold during the shutdown.
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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