Join us for a calming forest bathing walk at the National Arboretum this Father’s Day (June 21st) from 9 AM to 11 AM. This special session coincides with the summer solstice, a time of growth and energization. During the walk, you’ll practice breathing mindfully amongst the plants as you soak up the powerful, revitalizing energy of the sun. Give the gift of relaxation to the father figure in your life! Registration is required and tickets cost $35. 

Register for Forest Bathing >

Last summer, more than 40,000 visitors took advantage of FONA’s summer evening hours at the National Arboretum. So many people shared how important it is for them to have access to the Arboretum after a long workday. It means more time with friends and family, more time for physical and mental health, and more time outdoors during the hottest part of the year.

This program is only possible because of supporters like you. Donate today to support summer evening hours! Your gift of any size will make a huge impact for things like:

Happy Juneteenth! Gather your loved ones and celebrate Juneteenth at the Arboretum with Food Truck Friday. What’s on the menu? Tacos and ice cream! Taco Dirty to Me and Frosty Softy will be by the Visitor Center from 5 PM to 7:45 PM.

The Arboretum’s grounds, Visitor Center, National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, and restrooms will be open on Juneteenth. The National Arboretum’s grounds are open from 8 AM to 5 PM every day of the year except for Christmas Day. The National Bonsai & Penjing Museum is open from 10 AM to 4 PM daily, except for federal holidays from November through February. Admission and parking at the Arboretum are free.

Learn More About Visiting the Arboretum >

Sitting on a grassy knoll and pointing straight up into the sky, the National Capital Columns are an unusual but stunning sight at the National Arboretum. This set of twenty-two Corinthian columns is arguably the most iconic landmark at the Arboretum, but have you ever wondered how they got there? In anticipation of America’s 250th anniversary, news outlets have shone a spotlight on the history behind these columns. Hear from Dr. Richard Olsen, Director of the U.S. National Arboretum, in this video produced by NBC4 Washington. 

Watch the Video >

Hydrangeas are essential shrubs for any garden, with lovely, long-lasting bracts and handsome foliage. While mophead hydrangeas are popular for their colorful mounds of flowers and small stature, they are mostly sterile and therefore unpopular with pollinators. Lacecap and panicle hydrangeas are much more inviting, with clumps of fertile, nectar-filled flowers surrounded by attractive bracts. The native oakleaf hydrangea, Hydrangea quercifolia, is a panicled hydrangea that does well in many gardens. However, the Asian Hydrangea paniculata is more tolerant of sun, salt and pollution. It is a better choice in colder climates, clay soils, or soils that periodically get very wet.

In honor of World Bee Day last month, His Excellency Iztok Mirošič, Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to the United States, presented a Slovenian beehive to be added to the Washington Youth Garden. Slovenia is known worldwide as an epicenter of beekeeping innovation. Slovenian hives are uniquely structured, using cabinets that are accessible from behind to minimize heavy lifting and improve accessibility. They also feature colorful painted panels that are an expression of Slovenian folk art and often tell stories of beekeepers’ daily lives. 

Thank you to DC Beekeeper’s Alliance for painting the front panels of this new hive and helping to move in a new bee colony. We are so excited for our apiary to grow! FONA’s team will use the new hive to teach visitors about the important role pollinators play in agriculture and ecosystem health around the world. We are grateful for this opportunity to expand our work connecting people with nature across cultures — through the uniting power of food.

See our calendar for a list of all of our upcoming events and programs. FONA members get member perks like discounts and early access to registration. Donate any amount to become a FONA member!