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N° 281 — January 14, 2026
Enjoy regular updates and insights from FONA, the U.S. National Arboretum, and our award-winning Washington Youth Garden.
| | Volunteer on MLK Jr. Day of Service | In honor of Dr. King’s legacy, spend some time volunteering this MLK Jr. Day weekend. Many of our local environmental partners are hosting volunteer events for this day of service. Help make our watershed a cleaner, healthier place for all! | | | | |
Potomac Conservancy
Potomac River Cleanup at Anacostia Park
Saturday, January 17: 9 AM - 11 AM
Make a huge difference for the Potomac River as we turn to the water for a safe, healthy place to recreate outdoors. Registration required.
Details and Registration >
National Park Service
Cleanup at Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens
Monday, January 19: 9 AM - 12 PM
Remove litter and invasive plants at one of the most biodiverse natural areas in the nation’s capital. Registration required.
Details and Registration >
Anacostia Riverkeeper
Cleanup at Pope Branch Park
Monday, January 19: 9:30 AM - 1 PM
Registration required.
Details and Registration >
Casey Trees
Invasive Plant Removal at Oxon Run park
Monday, January 19: 1 PM - 3:30 PM
Work in groups to remove invasives and care for trees in the forest. No experience necessary, on-site training provided. Registration required.
Details and Registration >
| | ICYMI: Anacostia Adventure | |
In case you missed it, last month we announced the launch of an exciting new initiative in the Anacostia Watershed: the Anacostia River Outdoor Volunteer Adventure Trail. This collaboration brought together 12 different local environmental organizations to make a difference to our local lands and waters. Volunteering this MLK Jr. Day is a great way to get acquainted with the local volunteer ecosystem. As you plan your spring volunteer commitments, check out the Anacostia Volunteer Adventure Trail Map to discover more ways to give back!
Explore the Adventure Trail Map >
| | | Photos courtesy of the U.S. National Arboretum | | Arboretum Internships: Applications Due Jan. 19 | |
Don't delay — applications are due soon for the National Arboretum’s 2026 internship program. The Arboretum's paid internship program offers hands-on work experience at the nation's premier public garden and research facility. Internships vary in length from three months to one year.
Horticulture and archive intern positions are based out of the National Arboretum's main campus in Washington, DC. Research interns could work in the Arboretum's facilities in either Beltsville, MD, McMinnville, TN, or Washington, DC. Be sure to submit your application by the deadline on January 19th!
Horticulture Internship Details >
Research Internship Details >
Archives Internship Details >
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The Arboretum is open every day from 8 AM to 5 PM, except 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, including Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 19th). Last admittance to the Arboretum grounds is at 4:30 PM each day. Admission and parking at the Arboretum are free.
Learn More About Visiting the Arboretum >
| | | For Leanna Fenske, volunteering at FONA is a family affair. It all started when her husband Tom began giving tours at the U.S. National Arboretum and brought along their then three-year-old daughter. | | Leanna (middle) at the Washington Youth Garden | | After years devoted to teaching, Leanna found her way to volunteering at the Washington Youth Garden (WYG) when classmates in her Master Gardener Program encouraged her to join them. FONA’s impact quickly became clear. Leanna finds joy in working alongside staff and fellow volunteers, getting her hands in the soil, learning about new plants, and sharing discoveries with visiting children and families. As a former teacher of deaf and hard-of-hearing students, she brings a special sensitivity to connecting with young learners — whether helping kids harvest vegetables, introducing them to worms and frogs, or simply inviting them to take in the sights, smells, and touch of the garden. “The National Arboretum is a beautiful, free place to visit,” Leanna says, “and a place to learn about trees, food, flowers, and plants from around the world.” | | |
Leanna also lends a hand to FONA beyond the WYG garden beds by volunteering at community events. From plant sales and seasonal festivals to school garden support, concerts, and seasonal 5Ks, FONA creates opportunities for people to engage with the Arboretum year-round.
We are deeply grateful to Leanna — and to all FONA volunteers — whose generosity helps the National Arboretum thrive as a place of learning, beauty, and shared community. Would you like to lend your time and talents to FONA in support of the U.S. National Arboretum?
Learn More About Becoming a FONA Volunteer >
| | Leanna (third from right) with a group of WYG volunteers | | Photo courtesy of the Herb Society of America | | From Our Friends: The Herb Society of America | |
Join the Herb Society of America on January 22nd at 1 PM for a webinar on Turmeric, Herb of the YearTM 2026. Experienced herbalists Susan Belsinger and Tina Marie Wilcox will share their experience cultivating, harvesting, and preserving turmeric (Curcuma longa). They will also share some of their favorite remedies and recipes using turmeric, an herb that has been steadily building in popularity over recent years. Registration for the webinar is required and is $20 for non-members.
Learn More and Register >
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Winter Bird Walk
Saturday, January 17, 9 AM - 11 AM
SOLD OUT
Join Waitlist >
Birding 101 Workshop
Sunday, January 18, 10 AM - 12 PM
SOLD OUT
Join Waitlist >
Birding Workshop
Sunday, February 15
Save the date — more info coming soon
Winter Bird Walk
Monday, February 16
Save the date — more info coming soon
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Spring Bird Walk
Saturday, March 21
Save the date — more info coming soon
Spring into School Gardening
Saturday, March 21
Free resources for educators, held in WYG
Save the date — more info coming soon
Flowering 5K
Sunday, March 22, 8:30 AM
Run or walk through collections in bloom
(FONA members, use your discount code)
Register for the 5K >
Native Plant Sale
Saturday, March 28, 8 AM - 1 PM
Local native plant vendors, hosted by FONA
Save the date — more info coming soon
39th Annual Lahr Native Plant Symposium
Saturday, March 28, 9 AM - 4 PM
Learn from experts about native plants, hosted by USNA; Save the date — more info coming soon
| | As a member-based organization, FONA’s supporters are at the heart of our work. Donate any amount to join or renew your membership for one year. Or make a recurring monthly donation and become a Sustaining Member to support our work all year long. Many tax-smart donation options are also available. | |
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