FONA Field Notes #271: Community Connections at the Arboretum & Beyond

N° 271 — November 5, 2025

Enjoy regular updates and insights from FONA, the U.S. National Arboretum, and our award-winning Washington Youth Garden.

Fall 5K This Weekend

Have you heard the exciting news? FONA will host the Fall 5K at the National Arboretum this Sunday, November 9th!

FONA has been given a very special opportunity by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to hold this event during the government shutdown. We are very grateful for the USDA's support!

Photo by A2Z Photography

Due to the shutdown, only registered race participants and volunteers will be allowed on the Arboretum grounds for this event. No spectators are allowed. Spots are still available if you would like to run or walk the race. Registration will close at 12 PM on Saturday, November 8th, or earlier if the race sells out. We are still looking for a few more volunteers to support the event, as well.

A 20% discount is available to all furloughed federal employees, veterans, active duty, and reserve military members (email us for the discount code). FONA members also receive a 20% discount as part of their member benefits (check the latest member newsletter for the discount code).

New Pop-Up Bulb Sales

Thank you to everyone who showed up and purchased bulbs last week at our pop-up Bulb Sales. We have loved talking with FONA members and connecting with others in our community through these events. Thank you for supporting our work!

We are adding a few more pop-up sales over the next two weeks at different locations in Northeast D.C.:

Saturday, November 8th, 1 PM - 4 PM:
Right Proper Brewing Company's (Brookland)
Sunday, November 16th, 11 AM - 5 PM:
Fall Market at Small Planes Coffee near the Arboretum

See What Bulbs We Ordered This Year >

Shutdown Assistance

Some of our local partners are offering resources and assistance during the government shutdown.

Congressional Federal Credit Union is offering furlough stability assistance for federal employees during the shutdown. All FONA members are eligible to join CFCU as part of FONA's member benefits.

Learn More >

Photo by FRESHFARM

FRESHFARM is expanding its FreshMatch program to meet the current needs of the D.C. community. SNAP users and furloughed and unpaid federal workers can receive $30 in FreshMatch. These can be used FRESHFARM markets in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, as well as D.C. partner markets.

Learn More >

In Memoriam: Doreen Hamilton

FONA was saddened to hear of the recent passing of Doreen Hamilton. Doreen joined FONA's Board of Directors in 1989, and she served as President from 1991 to 1995. She was also involved with other nature groups in the D.C. area, including the Acorn Garden Club and the Maryland Chapter of The Nature Conservancy. FONA is grateful to Doreen for helping shape this organization, and for sharing her love of gardening with our community.

Read Doreen Hamilton's Obituary >

Photo courtesy of Small Planes Coffee

From our Friends: Small Planes Coffee

Join Small Planes Coffee for a Fall Market on Sunday, November 16th from 11 AM to 5 PM. Small Planes is a coffee roaster that is located right around the corner from the National Arboretum in the Arboretum neighborhood.

The market will feature a pop-up cafe, live music, food, and local artisan vendors. Plus, FONA will be there selling bulbs as one of our pop-up sales!

Learn More About the Event >

Upcoming FONA Events

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.

Bulb Sale Pop-up @ Right Proper Brewing

Saturday, November 8, 1 PM - 4 PM

At the Brewery's Brookland Location >

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 >

Bulb Sale Pop-up @ Small Planes

Sunday, November 16, 11 AM - 5 PM

At the Roastery Near the Arboretum >

Christmas Tree Sale

Friday, November 28 - Sunday, December 7

Monday - Friday: 12 PM - 8 PM

Saturday - Sunday: 9 AM - 8 PM

More info coming soon!

Winter Festival & Christmas Tree Sale

Saturday, December 6, 10 AM - 3 PM

Enchanting holiday event with gift market, free family activities, train ride, and tree sale

Save the date — more info coming soon!

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.

Become a Member

Other Ways to Support FONA

FONA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization with the mission to preserve and enhance a vibrant public space and support experiential programming that instills a love of plants, nature and the outdoors in all who visit, while promoting the overarching research and education mission of the U.S. National Arboretum.

Since its inception, FONA has helped support the Washington Youth Garden, Capitol Columns, Flowering Tree Walk, horticultural and research internships, restoration of Springhouse Run, and much more.

More Information about FONA's Mission & Leadership >

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