|
N° 305 — July 1, 2026
Enjoy regular updates and insights from FONA, the U.S. National Arboretum, and our award-winning Washington Youth Garden.
| | |
Dear Friends,
Looking out the window of Arbor House, I can see the magic of the afternoon: hundreds of you have come to enjoy quiet moments in the open meadow as well as the National Arboretum’s towering trees.
Moments like this put our work in perspective. I’ve been reading through our newly published annual report this week, and I am continually struck by how remarkable it is that this exact kind of experience is possible 364 days a year.
The data in this report is vital, but the real impact is human. Thanks to FONA’s supporters:
- Children are exploring nutrition and tasting fresh snap peas right from the soil in the Washington Youth Garden.
- Nature lovers are finding quiet sanctuary, discovering the hidden spring ephemerals tucked into Fern Valley.
- Casual visitors are becoming champions, learning how those stunning spring azaleas represent decades of world-class agricultural science.
None of this happens in a vacuum. I want to extend a special note of gratitude to our incredible volunteers. They completely supercharge our small staff and extend FONA’s reach at our busiest public events, deep in the garden dirt, and in vital leadership roles across our community. I also want to thank our members, whose generosity makes FONA’s impact possible.
With half the year still ahead of us, 2026 is shaping up to be one of our most meaningful chapters yet!
| | | | |
See you out there soon,
Jeanne
| |
Jeanne Braha
Executive Director
| | Read FONA’s 2025 Annual Report | | |
FONA took big steps last year as the U.S. National Arboretum’s primary nonprofit partner — steps that were made possible in large part by our members, volunteers, and supporters like you.
In our newly released 2025 Annual Report, you’ll hear from FONA Executive Director Jeanne Braha and U.S. National Arboretum Director Dr. Richard T. Olsen about why this partnership matters more than ever. You’ll also discover how FONA’s impact brings our recently updated mission, vision, and values to life. This includes career development opportunities ranging from high schoolers to college students, increased access to the Arboretum, and much more. We hope you’ll take a moment to read this concise report and learn the impact that supporters like you make at the National Arboretum!
Read the 2025 Annual Report >
| | |
Registration for FONA’s Fall 5K is now open! Enjoy the National Arboretum’s spectacular fall foliage as you run or walk the race on Saturday, October 31st at 8:30 AM. Whether you participate with friends and family or go for a personal record on the course, our Fall 5K is a great way to support FONA while soaking up the Arboretum’s fall splendor. Show off your costume and warm up your legs for Halloween evening!
Lock in the lowest race price possible by signing up early. Race registration currently costs $45, and will increase after the first 150 people sign up for the race.
Sign Up for the Fall 5K >
| | Holiday Hours — Independence Day | | |
If you’re looking for a calm oasis within the frenzy of this weekend’s festivities, head over to the National Arboretum. The Arboretum was the Washington City Paper’s reader's pick for "Best City Escape in the City" in 2023 and 2024, and staff pick for "Best Outside Place" in 2025!
Visit this Friday on your Independence Day holiday for a special Food Truck Friday menu. Dos Carnales and Frosty Softy will serve up hot dogs, hamburgers, tacos, and ice cream. Stop by their trucks near 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 July 3rd and 4th. The National Arboretum’s grounds are open from 8 AM to 8 PM on weekdays through August 28th. On weekends, grounds close at 5 PM. The National Bonsai & Penjing Museum is open from 10 AM to 4 PM daily. Admission and parking at the Arboretum are free.
Learn More About Visiting the Arboretum >
| | FONA's Other Upcoming Events | | | | |
Wellness Wednesdays
June - August | 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Price: Varies per program $20 - $35
Connect your mind, body, and spirit with nature through guided mindfulness programs like yoga and sound bathing, held every Wednesday during summer evening hours. Registration is required.
Register for Wellness Wednesdays >
| | | | |
Food Truck Fridays
June - August | 5 PM - 7:45 PM
Purchase food from a variety of rotating food trucks every Friday evening to fuel your summer evening adventure at the Arboretum. Kick off Independence Day weekend on Friday, July 3rd with hot dogs, hamburgers, tacos, and ice cream at the Arboretum!
See Our Event Calendar for the Full Lineup >
| | | | |
Music in the Meadow: Rock Garden
Friday, September 4 | 7 PM - 8:30 PM
Price: $25, a limited number of $15 Community Access tickets are available
Rock out at an outdoor concert that pays homage to the National Herb Garden’s “Rock (‘n Roll) Garden” exhibit theme. The Daisy Road band’s eclectic mix of rock, soul, and funk music will celebrate the vibrant world of herbs that rock, as well as those that inspire us to rock.
Purchase Your Concert Ticket >
| | | | |
Dinner Under the Stars
Tuesday, September 22 | 5:30 - 9 PM
Join fellow champions of agriculture, conservation, and policy for an unforgettable evening of connection and impact at the National Arboretum. Engage with key figures from industry, Capitol Hill, D.C. government, and local philanthropy while enjoying cocktails and a seated dinner in view of the Capitol Columns.
Learn More About the Event >
Purchase a Ticket >
| | | | |
Volunteer at the National Arboretum
Weekly opportunities
Support FONA's visitor programs, like our summer concerts, or get your hands dirty in the Washington Youth Garden. U.S. National Arboretum volunteer opportunities are also available to support the archives and living collections.
Learn More & Sign Up for Volunteer Opportunities >
| | Other Events at the National Arboretum | | |
Waiting to be Discovered: A Viewing Stone Exhibit
June 27 - September 7 | 10 AM - 4 PM
Price: Free
Viewing stone lovers find inspiration in the traditional stones found and displayed in China and Japan; however, when it comes collecting stones in this country many stones do not fit the classic traditions. These small natural objects encourage contemplation of larger landscape scenes, objects in nature, and abstract images. Challenge your imagination by comparing the variety of stones on view in this exhibition. Members of the Potomac Viewing Stone Group, a regional organization dedicated to stone appreciation, will display viewing stones from their private collections.
| | Image courtesy of the National Arboretum | |
|
The National Arboretum is open on weekdays from 8 AM to 8 PM —extended summer hours brought to you by FONA!
The Arboretum closes at 5 PM on weekends.
Check Our Website for Full Details >
| | 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. | | | | |
