When Harold Belcher was a teenager growing up in Cheverly, Maryland in the 1960s, the U.S. National Arboretum became his haven. “I would ride my bike all over and wander the trails. It was very peaceful,” Harold recalls.



Those early explorations grew into a 60-year connection with the Arboretum. After a career with the U.S. Navy Department and the Department of Justice, Harold returned to his roots, spending more time gardening and walking the Arboretum’s trails. His passion for nature has also turned into advocacy. While serving as president of the local chapter of the Azalea Society of America about 15 years ago, Harold helped rally support to preserve the Arboretum’s historic Glenn Dale azaleas when they faced removal due to budget cuts.

Today, Harold continues to give back as a proud member of the David Fairchild Society, FONA’s highest level of membership and leadership giving. Over the years, Harold’s support for FONA has only deepened. FONA is grateful for his enduring commitment to the Arboretum’s mission as a David Fairchild Society member.

“The Arboretum is a jewel,” he says. “I support FONA because it helps people stay connected to nature and ensures others can enjoy this place well into the future.”

With the support of Harold and his fellow David Fairchild Society members, FONA is nurturing the U.S. National Arboretum’s growth as a living museum, a center for horticultural discovery, and a place of belonging for all who visit. Thank you, Harold, for your decades of dedication and stewardship that drive FONA’s work!

Join Harold and Become a David Fairchild Society Member Today >

Celebrate fall with us during our annual Garlic Planting Party & Bulb Sale next Saturday, October 25th in the Washington Youth Garden! We will have edible garlic for sale, plus many ornamental flower bulbs for you to plant in your garden this fall. Come enjoy free family-friendly art activities and face painting with DC Child Care Connections. Help plant garlic, harvest sweet potatoes, and taste fresh sugar cane juice in the Washington Youth Garden. Good Company Doughnuts & Cafe will also have lunch and snacks for sale! Wearing Halloween costumes is highly encouraged. Please register for this free event to let us know you're coming and to receive important event-related updates.

If the Arboretum is still closed on October 25th due to the government shutdown, we will reschedule the Bulb Sale for a later date. That way, you can still stock up on bulbs for your garden while supporting FONA through this annual fundraiser.

Learn More & Register for the Garlic Planting Party & Bulb Sale >

Plants have always played an important role in the food, craftwork, and medicinal traditions of people indigenous to the Chesapeake Bay region.

To explore the ecological and cultural connections between plants and people native to the Chesapeake region, Adkins Arboretum and the Washington College Food Initiative created the Indigenous Peoples' Perspective Project. The project shares the indigenous history and uses of 21 native plants, including slippery elm (Ulmus rubra), American persimmon (Diospyros virginiana), witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), and more. The project also includes self-guided family activities and videos that dive deeper into these natural connections.

Explore the Indigenous Peoples' Perspective Project >

The Adkins Arboretum is located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and is free to visit. As a member of the American Horticultural Society's Garden Network, FONA members get a few reciprocal perks when visiting.

Learn More about Adkins Arboretum >

Veterans and military service members are an important part of our FONA and DMV communities. FONA wants to foster connections this fall between military members and nature at the National Arboretum. We are hosting two visitor programs that are either specifically designed for or offer discounted registration to veterans and military service members. These events are open to the general public as well. We hope to see you at some (or all) of these activities:

Fall 5K >

Sunday, November 9 | 8:30 AM

Soak up incredible fall colors during this race, which shows off some of the Arboretum's best collections for fall foliage. All veterans, active duty, and reserve military members receive a 20% discount when registering (email us for the discount code). All roads are closed to cars during this race, creating a safe and secure event. Registration is free for kids under 13 years old, and dogs and strollers are welcome.

Veteran's Day Forest Bathing >

Tuesday, November 11 | 9 AM - 11 AM

Take a moment to slow down and open your senses to the National Arboretum. Our certified nature and forest therapy guide will prompt you to reflect on a particular aspect of the natural world around you, give you time to wander and meditate throughout the garden collection, then reconvene the group to share reflections. Tickets cost $35 ($28 for FONA members), and a limited number of $15 community discount tickets are available.

FONA is accepting vendor applications for the upcoming Winter Festival on Saturday, December 6th. This event will take place near the Arboretum's Visitor Center, and will include an artisan vendor village gift market, holiday train ride, food trucks, free family-friendly activities, Christmas tree sale, and more. If you are a local business, artisan, or food truck interested in vending at the Winter Festival, please apply today! A limited number of booths are available and space fills quickly.

Winter Festival Vendor Application >

Interested in sponsoring the Winter Festival? and connecting with thousands of plant-loving Washingtonians while supporting FONA's work? Email us for more information.

Winter Festival Sponsorship Inquiry >

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 >

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!