The National Arboretum is currently closed to the public due to the recent snow storm. Thank you for your patience — Arboretum staff are working hard to manage the snow throughout the grounds. Please keep an eye on the National Arboretum’s homepage for the latest updates.

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Registration for the U.S. National Arboretum's 39th Annual Lahr Native Plant Symposium is now open! Join us on Saturday, March 28th from 9 AM to 4 PM at the National Arboretum for a day of compelling presentations on topics pertinent to the home gardener. Plus, don’t miss FONA’s accompanying Native Plant Sale held on the same day from 8 AM to 1 PM!

Learn from five expert speakers about:

• Regenerative gardening and agroforestry
• Designing a garden with native plants
• Traditional ecological knowledge and the relationship between people and plants
• Birds and trees at the Arboretum
• The intersection of native plant purism and sustainable horticulture

Proceeds from this event directly support the Arboretum’s Fern Valley Native Plant Collection and help cover the costs of hosting the event. Tiered tickets are available to help make this educational program accessible to as many people as possible. While $100 is the suggested registration price, please choose the ticket option that best fits you. Lunch is included in the cost of registration (please note your dietary preference when registering).

Register Today >

We're thrilled to announce a collaboration with Small Planes Coffee to bring winter coffee-pop-ups to the Arboretum’s Visitor Center. On select Sundays in February and March, stop by the Visitor Center lobby for some coffee and connection! Small Planes is a specialty roastery located just a short walk from the National Arboretum and prioritizes ethical practices and high-quality brews.



Pop-up dates:

• Sunday, February 8th, 9 AM - 1 PM: Member Day*
• Sunday, February 22nd, 9 AM - 1 PM
• Sunday, March 8th , 9 AM - 1 PM

*FONA members receive a complimentary cup of coffee! 

Donate to Become a Member >

Have you ever taken a moment to rest on one of the benches beside a trail or under a tree at the Arboretum? Dedicating a commemorative bench is a wonderful way to honor a loved one or a special occasion. These elegant teak benches come with an engraved plaque for your custom message. They will stand tall for years to come, offering visitors a spot to relax and take in the splendor of the Arboretum’s vast green spaces.

Donations of commemorative benches are tax deductible and contribute directly to the U.S. National Arboretum’s crucial horticultural work. Bench locations are available across the Arboretum’s grounds.

Learn More >

Daffodils are one of the many ephemeral harbingers of spring, dotting March landscapes in yellows and whites. Narcissus cantabricus is distinctive for blooming much earlier than its cousins, generally from late January or early February into early spring. Their delicate, ruffled white petals led to their common name, white hoop petticoat daffodil.

Coffee Pop-Ups

Select Sundays, 9 AM - 1 PM

February 8, February 22, March 8

Coffee for purchase in the Visitor Center

Member Day on February 8: FONA members receive a complimentary cup! 



Birds and Biodiversity Workshop*

Sunday, February 15

Learn about the diversity of birds at the Arboretum from the DC Bird Alliance.

Winter Bird Walk*

Monday, February 16

Spot birds in their winter plumage! Guided by the DC Bird Alliance.

Container Gardening Workshop*

Saturday, February 21

Learn to grow your own food with limited space. Led by Cultivate the City.

Spring Bird Walk*

Saturday, March 21

View birds along with early spring flowers! Guided by the DC Bird Alliance.

*FONA members will get first access to register for these events

Become a FONA Member for Early Access >

Spring into School Gardening

Saturday, March 21, 11:30 AM - 1 PM

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

Register for the Native Plant Sale >

39th Annual Lahr Native Plant Symposium

Saturday, March 28, 9 AM - 4 PM

Learn from experts about native plants, hosted by USNA



Register for the Lahr Symposium >