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N° 256 — July 23, 2025
Enjoy regular updates and insights from FONA, the U.S. National Arboretum, and our award-winning Washington Youth Garden.
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Don't miss our Music in the Meadow concert this Friday, July 25th! Buck Forty Nine, a local band with Americana vibes, will play music in the Ellipse Meadow just below the Capitol Columns from 6 PM to about 8 PM. This concert is free to attend, but a suggested donation of at least $15 to FONA is encouraged. Registration is not required, but please let us know you're coming and to receive weather-related updates.
Bring your own picnic or buy food from one of the three food trucks that will be on site for Food Truck Friday. Timber Pizza, Catalyst Hot Dogs, and Frosty Softy will all sell food from 5 PM to 7:30 PM near the Visitor Center.
Learn More & Register >
| | | | | This Friday's summer evening hours are sponsored by Liz Dugan in honor of the Arboretum's Fern Valley Native Plant Collection. Come early to the Arboretum on Friday before the concert and explore the cool, wooded trails of Fern Valley for yourself. There are lots of native plants in bloom, and the collection is only a five minute walk from where the concert is held. | | Thank you to everyone who donated to our summer reading book drive last month! Thanks to a number of generous supporters, we were able to gift 58 books to families and teachers who participated in FONA's summer education programs. Teachers who attended the Summer Institute for Garden-based Teaching last week were excited to receive these books and incorporate them into their garden curriculum next year. Thank you for sharing the gift of growing and cooking with our participants. | | Program partners and FONA team members during last week's Summer Institute for Garden-based Teaching. | | New Event Registrations Now Open | This just in! We're excited to open registrations for the following events. Make sure to sign up soon — we anticipate some of these events will sell out quickly. | | | | |
Made in the Garden: Family Workshop
Saturday, July 26 | 11 AM - 12:30 PM
Enjoy a free family workshop in the Washington Youth Garden this Saturday. Add your artistic touch to the garden's new mural, make smoothies using our smoothie bike, help tend to the garden, and explore what's growing. All ages are welcome to join. Registrations are not required but are recommended — please let us know you're coming.
Register for the Workshop >
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Carnivorous Plant & Bog Garden Workshop
Saturday, August 16 | 2 PM - 4 PM
Dive into the intriguing world of carnivorous plants during this event co-hosted by FONA and Cultivate the City. During this workshop, you'll learn how to care for and propagate carnivorous plants, and how to create a thriving bog garden at home. Depending on which ticket you purchase, you will either build a bog of your own during the class, or will take a carnivorous plant home to plant later. Tickets are available for $30 and $60, and include different quantities of plants and gardening materials. FONA members, email us for the $5 member discount code.
Register for the Workshop >
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Fall 5K
Sunday, November 9 | 8:30 AM
Enjoy autumn at the National Arboretum during FONA's Fall 5K. Whether you run or walk the race, you'll pass by beautiful collections and gardens filled with fantastic fall foliage. All roads are closed to cars during the race to create a safe and secure event. Plus, tickets for kids under 13 years old are free, and strollers and dogs are welcome. Race registration costs $45 for the first 150 participants. A 20% discount is available to all veterans, active duty, and reserve military members. All FONA members also receive a 20% discount as part of their member benefits. Email info@fona.org for these coupon codes.
Register for the Race >
| | Determining the Dog of the Year | Is your canine companion the top dog of the National Arboretum? We’re holding a Dog of the Year photo contest to find out! Nominations will open on Wednesday, July 30th. Only FONA members can nominate dogs, but the entire public can vote when voting starts on Wednesday, August 13th. Members, get your photos ready now so you can submit them early! Photos must be clearly taken at the National Arboretum and follow the Arboretum’s dog rules (must be on leash and not in garden beds). | | | Nunu, courtesy of Alyssa Mala | | |
The winner of the Dog of the Year photo contest will receive a custom photography session and $700 wall art product credit from Megan Purtell Photography — for a total value of $1,000. Megan Purtell is an award-winning pet photographer who captures the unique personality of every pet with stunning portraits. She also volunteers to photograph foster pets for rescues, helping them find forever homes with beautiful, eye-catching photos. A passionate animal advocate, Megan’s work not only creates lasting memories but also supports animal welfare through her artistry and dedication. We are incredibly grateful to Megan for this award donation, she’s truly a Top Dog Sponsor!
Do you want to nominate your dog for head hound? Donate any amount to become a FONA member or renew and make sure your membership is up to date.
Learn More About FONA Memberships >
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FONA's signature fundraising event, Dinner Under the Stars, is less than two months away. On Tuesday, September 9th, join leaders across agriculture, conservation, and local philanthropy sectors for an unforgettable evening of connection and impact at the National Arboretum.
Set against the backdrop of the Capitol Columns, this open-air event features cocktails, a tented dinner, and opportunities to engage with key figures from industry, Capitol Hill, and the Administration.
Tickets are now open! Space is limited and we are already halfway full. Purchase your tickets or pledge your table now to secure your spot.
Purchase a Ticket >
Pledge & Reserve a Table >
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Summer Evening Hours
June 1 - August 30, 5 PM - 8 PM
Arboretum grounds stay open to the public
Important Evening Hours Details >
Morning Member Walk
Friday, July 25, 8 AM - 9:30 AM
Casual morning stroll with FONA members
Donate to Join FONA & Enjoy Members-Only Events >
Food Truck Friday: Timber Pizza, Catalyst Hot Dogs, Frosty Softy
Friday, July 25, 5 PM - 7:30 PM
Serving pizza, hot dogs, and ice cream
Music in the Meadow: Buck Forty Nine
Friday, July 25, 6 PM - 8 PM
Free outdoor concert with Americana vibes
Learn More & Register >
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Evening Sound Bathing
Select Tuesdays, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
July 29, August 12, August 26
Refresh your mind with soothing soundscapes
Class Schedule & Registration >
Food Truck Friday: Cousins Lobster Truck
Friday, August 1, 5 PM - 7:30 PM
Serving New England style seafood
Evening Yoga
Select Wednesdays, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
August 6, August 20
Outdoor yoga for all skill levels
Class Schedule & Registration >
Food Truck Friday: Dos Carnales
Friday, August 8, 3 PM - 7:30 PM
Serving Mexican cuisine
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Food Truck Friday: Arni's Kitchen
Friday, August 15, 5 PM - 7:30 PM
Serving Indonesian cuisine
Carnivorous Plant & Bog Garden Workshop
Saturday, August 16, 2 PM - 4 PM
Learn how to care for and build a bog garden
Learn More & Register >
Food Truck Friday: Taco Dirty To Me
Friday, August 22, 5 PM - 7:30 PM
Serving fusion tacos
Music in the Meadow: Rock Garden
Friday, September 5, 7 PM - 8:30 PM
Paid outdoor concert with classic rock vibes
Purchase a Ticket >
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The National Arboretum will be open from 8 AM to 8 PM through August 30th for summer evening hours. Use R Street entrance for entry/exit after 2 PM. Last admittance onto the grounds is at 7:30 PM.
Check Our Website for Full Details >
| | It's now easier than ever to become a FONA member. Donate any amount to join or renew your membership for one year, or pledge to give monthly and support our work all year round as a Sustaining Member. There are also many tax-smart donation options. | |
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