Funding has grown uncertain for nonprofits everywhere, and FONA is no exception. Grants in particular have become highly competitive and unpredictable. FONA’s education programs rely on this funding source in order to connect thousands of youth to nature at the National Arboretum and in under-resourced D.C. schools.

This Giving Tuesday, please help FONA raise $15,000 to support work like our School Garden Support Programs and other educational programs. You can make your gift early if you don’t want to wait until Tuesday, December 2nd.

FONA’s dedicated supporters make our work possible — thank you for investing in our work. Your donation will keep gardens growing and will spark curiosity in nature for young people throughout the District. Donations of any size make a huge difference!

Donate Now to FONA’s Giving Tuesday Campaign >

FONA's annual Christmas Tree Sale begins this Friday, November 28th! Buy your Christmas tree, wreath, or garland at the National Arboretum. After you're done shopping, enjoy a relaxing stroll through an Arboretum garden or collection!

The sale will be held from this Friday through Sunday, December 7th during the following updated times:

• Friday, Nov. 28: 10 AM – 5 PM
• Saturday, Nov. 29: 10 AM – 5 PM
• Sunday, Nov. 30: 12 PM – 5 PM
• Monday, Dec. 1 – Friday, Dec. 5: 12 PM – 8 PM
• Saturday, Dec. 6: 10 AM – 5 PM
• Sunday, Dec. 7: 12 PM – 5 PM

The Christmas Tree Sale will be held in the Grove parking lot. Use the R Street gate (2400 R Street NE) to enter the Arboretum after 2 PM on weekdays.

Trees and greenery are available for pre-order for home delivery or pick-up at the Arboretum. Pre-ordering is not required, but guarantees you a great tree at the best price. When pre-ordering, please select “Friends of the National Arboretum” as the fundraising partner at checkout to ensure your purchase supports FONA.

Pre-Order Your Tree & Holiday Greenery >

The National Arboretum is the perfect place to walk and spend time with friends and family during the holiday season. The Arboretum is open every day from 8 AM to 5 PM, but is closed on December 25th. The National Bonsai & Penjing Museum is open every day from 10 AM to 4 PM, but is closed on all federal holidays from November through February. Admission and parking at the Arboretum are free.

Learn More About Visiting the Arboretum >

At 91, Ednajane ‘E.J.’ Truax is proof that a life spent caring — for people and for plants — can flourish well into life’s later seasons. A former cardiac intensive care nurse, E.J. devoted 45 years to healing others before turning her energy toward nurturing gardens in her community. After retiring from Georgetown University Hospital, she was seeking inspiration for her next chapter. She found her calling when she received a letter from FONA inviting volunteers to help in the Washington Youth Garden.

For the next decade, E.J. helped children discover the magic of growing things. She grew friendships with fellow volunteers. She even dedicated a memorial bench to one of them, fondly known as “Butterfly Bob.”