Friends of the National Arboretum is honored to carry forward the legacy of the National Bonsai Foundation (NBF), which will conclude its operations at the end of this month after more than four decades of extraordinary service.

Since its founding in 1982, NBF has been essential to building and maintaining the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum at the U.S. National Arboretum, fostering international goodwill and a deep respect for the art of bonsai.

FONA extends its sincere gratitude to the NBF Board and supporters for their enduring dedication to this living art form. We are deeply mindful of the trust they have put in FONA to sustain NBF’s mission to preserve and promote the art of bonsai in America. The bonsai and penjing collections will continue under the expert care of the U.S. National Arboretum’s staff, as it has since 1976. As part of this transition, NBF will transfer the majority of remaining assets to FONA to directly support the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum and ongoing bonsai education. These funds will be specifically dedicated to the continued care, growth, and improvement of the museum. 

This transition was the result of a request from Dr. Richard Olsen, Director of the U.S. National Arboretum, to consolidate nonprofit engagement under Friends of the National Arboretum. This unified approach will streamline communications, expand community engagement, and enrich the visitor experience, while allowing the U.S. National Arboretum to focus on horticultural excellence and discovery.

FONA embraces this new expanded role to support the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum and the U.S. National Arboretum, helping them flourish in the decades ahead. If you are interested in making a restricted donation to the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum at this time, please contact Claire Alrich at 202-918-1868 or calrich@fona.org. 

When you visit the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum during the winter, you will notice that the Museum looks quite different than it does during the warmer months. In order to protect the collection from the cold weather, National Arboretum staff move many of the trees into the Chinese Pavilion. A roof is then installed on the pavilion so the trees have a warm and cozy home throughout the winter.

Winter is a wonderful time to experience this unique collection. Winter fruits pepper some of the evergreen trees, while flowers dot other winter-blooming varieties. The bare limbs of deciduous specimens offer a unique perspective on how the trees are trained.

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.

Join us in giving a warm welcome to FONA’s new Communications Coordinator, Aditi Iyengar. Aditi was born and raised in the DMV, specifically Fairfax, Virginia, and studied Environmental Sustainability at the University of Virginia. 

Aditi has always felt deeply rooted in nature and feels passionate about helping more people nurture their connection with the land. She is excited to explore each and every collection in the Arboretum, but thus far, her favorite spot is the wooded trails in Fern Valley. Aditi looks forward to sharing the unique value of FONA’s programs with existing members of the FONA community as well as new visitors to the Arboretum!

A gift from your donor-advised fund (DAF) is a tax-smart way to support FONA before the end of the year. DAFs streamline the giving process and allow you to easily donate complex assets to multiple organizations. You can make one-time gifts, or you can set up recurring gifts and planned giving options. Maximize the impact of your support by making a grant to FONA through your DAF. 

Donations of any amount make you a FONA member. When you donate an annual gift of $1,200 or more to FONA, you also join our David Fairchild Society. This group of supporters receives additional benefits and opportunities to engage with the National Arboretum’s work on top of the benefits that all FONA members receive. Email us to learn more about DAF giving or other tax-smart giving options.

Email Us to Learn More >

This past weekend, visitors bundled up and braved the cold to eat, shop, and be merry at FONA’s Winter Festival and Christmas Tree Sale.

Families cozied up with hot cocoa and tasty bites from our food truck vendors. When they weren’t busy riding the holiday train to the Capitol Columns, children made DIY ornaments and wrote letters to Santa. Visitors checked off their holiday shopping lists with locally-crafted artisan gifts for their loved ones. “We are so grateful to have a chance to connect with the community during this time of year. Seeing families gather here at the Arboretum to experience the magic of the holiday season and create joyful memories is what this event is all about,” said Yalonda Thomas, FONA’s Visitor Programs Manager.

Sunday also marked the last day of FONA’s annual Christmas Tree Sale. It was a wonderful sight to see trees strapped to car roofs, making their way home past the Arboretum’s hilly woods and brightly lit greenhouses. We’re honored that we got to be a part of your holiday traditions this year.

Please fill out our short event survey if you attended the Winter Festival or the Christmas Tree Sale. We want to continue to improve our events and appreciate your feedback.

Complete the Event Survey >

FONA’s 2025 Winter Festival was hosted in partnership with DC Squared and DC Child Care Connections. This free event could not have happened without our dedicated FONA volunteers and staff, or the food, drink, and gift vendors who nourished our community. Lastly, thank you to all of the attendees who brought their holiday spirit to the National Arboretum. A portion of all purchases made at these events directly supports our work at the National Arboretum — thank you for your support.

What is it like to work at one of the premier arboreta in the United States? The National Arboretum is currently accepting applications for the 2026 internship program. Applications are due by January 19, 2026.

These paid internships offer hands-on work experience and training in horticulture, botany, and plant research. Interns work in the Arboretum's various plant collections, greenhouses, or research laboratories. They also develop independent projects and participate in educational field trips. Internships vary in length from three months to one year. They are located at either the National Arboretum's main campus in Washington, D.C., or at the Arboretum's research facilities in Beltsville, MD or McMinnville, TN.

Horticulture Internship Details >

Research Internship Details >

Archives Internship Details >

Earlier this fall, Ikebana International Chapter 1 of Washington, D.C. was scheduled to hold its annual Fall Ikebana Exhibition at the National Arboretum. Although the government shutdown halted the in-person exhibition, organization members transformed the exhibit into a fantastic virtual experience for all to enjoy.

The 2025 Virtual Exhibition showcases more than 60 flower arrangements across several schools of ikebana. As you watch the video, you can learn about the plants used and the inspiration behind each display.

Watch the 2025 Virtual Ikebana Exhibition >

Mark your calendars for Ikebana International Chapter 1's annual spring exhibit at the National Arboretum! This exhibition will be held on April 3rd through April 12th and will include free demonstrations.

Learn More About Ikebana International Chapter 1 of Washington, D.C. >