Last week on Groundhog Day, Punxsutawney Phil predicted 6 more weeks of winter. Many of us had hoped for a shift in the frigid weather we’ve been having, but alas! As we wait for the ice to thaw, we’ve been huddled indoors admiring the snowy vistas outside our windows and preparing for our upcoming spring programs. Read on for this year’s Flowering 5K t-shirt theme reveal, Valentine’s Day date ideas, and an exciting new employment opportunity at FONA.

The National Arboretum has reopened to the public after being closed due to Winter Storm Fern. Arboretum staff worked very hard to clear snow and ice from the grounds to protect the collections and make the grounds safe for visitors. With 451 acres of rolling hills, roads, and garden collections, this was no easy undertaking! We are incredibly grateful to the Arboretum grounds crew for their tireless efforts during this time of freezing cold and icy conditions.

To help keep everyone safe as you return to the Arboretum, please remember some key rules: sledding is not allowed, and pets must remain on leash at all times.

National Arboretum’s Rules & Guidelines >

This spring’s Flowering 5K t-shirt design is all about cherry blossoms! These flowers are an iconic symbol of spring in the District — but they also play an important role in the U.S. National Arboretum’s horticultural work. 

Hundreds of flowering cherry tree varieties are planted throughout the Arboretum grounds. These trees put on a beautiful show from March through April for visitors to enjoy. They also preserve important genetic material for plant breeding and future use. From this genetic material, Arboretum scientists have cultivated and released four flowering cherry tree cultivars into the American nursery industry. These cultivars have been bred for traits like early bloom time, pest and disease resistance, early rapid growth, and more.

We are excited to celebrate the Arboretum’s iconic spring blossoms — and the incredible story behind them — at our Flowering 5K on Sunday, March 22nd. While the full t-shirt design is coming soon, we wanted to share this sneak peak of what we’re working on.

Participants who register for the race before Tuesday, February 17th are guaranteed a t-shirt with each adult registration. After that date, t-shirts are included with adult registrations while supplies last. Sign up today to rock our cherry blossom race t-shirts all season long.

Register for the Race >

Planning a romantic getaway this weekend? The National Arboretum was featured in Secret DC’s Top Romantic Places in Washington, D.C. that are perfect for Valentine’s Day! This urban green oasis is the ideal place to steal quiet moments away from the noise with a loved one. Stroll hand in hand through serene bonsai collections, curated gardens, and vast open landscapes. With 451 acres to explore, find your own special spot at the Arboretum to create lasting memories with a partner, friend, or family member.

Plus, if you’re looking for the perfect place to say “I do,” the National Arboretum is D.C.’s largest private outdoor event space and a three-time “Best of Weddings” award winner by The Knot!

Learn More About Wedding Rentals >

Spend Washington’s Birthday at the National Arboretum! The Arboretum is open from 8 AM to 5 PM every day, except December 25th. The National Bonsai & Penjing Museum is closed on all federal holidays from November through February, including Washington’s Birthday on February 16th (also known as Presidents’ Day). The Museum is open all other days from 10 AM to 4 PM. Last admittance to the Arboretum grounds is at 4:30 PM each day, and admission and parking are free.

Learn More About Visiting the Arboretum >

FONA seeks an experienced Director of Development & Communications to join our team. This full-time, permanent position will lead all strategic planning and execution of FONA’s fundraising, marketing, and communications efforts. This role will manage a small team of staff and contractors in order to elevate organizational visibility and strengthen donor relationships to ensure revenue goal achievement. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting after February 13, 2026. 

Learn More & Apply for This Position >

FONA is deeply grateful to five members who recently retired from FONA’s Board of Directors as their terms expired. Bill Matuszeski, Vaughn FONA is deeply grateful to five members who recently retired from FONA’s Board of Directors as their terms expired. Bill Matuszeski, Vaughn Perry, Lucy Rhame, Lou Slade, and Peggy Strand all brought incredible leadership and insight to FONA’s Board. They shared their passions for gardening, youth education, and conservation with FONA, as well as their expertise in law, governance, and more. These five members collectively dedicated 50 years to FONA’s Board. 

We are thrilled to welcome to the board Jim Hughes and Harrison Pittman. Jim Hughes worked as the curator for the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum from 2005 to 2008 and previously served on FONA’s board from 2010 to 2013. Harrison Pittman has served as the Director of the National Agricultural Law Center since 2007.

Birds and Biodiversity Workshop

Sunday, February 15, 10 AM - 12 PM

Learn about the diversity of birds at the Arboretum

Register for the Birding Workshop >

Winter Bird Walk

Monday, February 16, 9 AM - 11 AM

Spot birds in their winter plumage!

Register for the Bird Walk >

Coffee Pop-Ups

Select Sundays, 9 AM - 1 PM

February 22, March 8*

Coffee for purchase in the Visitor Center

*Member Day on March 8

Donate to Become a Member >

Container Gardening Workshop

Saturday, February 21, 11 AM - 1 PM

Learn to grow thriving plants with limited space FONA members, use your discount code

Register for the Gardening Workshop >

Spring Bird Walk*

Saturday, March 21, 9 AM - 11 AM

View birds along with early spring flowers!

*FONA members will get first access to register for this event.

Become a FONA Member Today >

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 >