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N° 261 — August 27, 2025
Enjoy regular updates and insights from FONA, the U.S. National Arboretum, and our award-winning Washington Youth Garden.
| | | | And the winner of our Dog of the Year photo contest is.... Miles Morales! Congratulations! As the first place winner, Miles Morales and his owner win a custom photography session and $700 wall art product credit. This prize was graciously donated by Megan Purtell Photography. | | |
Gracie took home second place and will receive a gift certificate for three nights of boarding from Take Paws. Chip won third place and will receive a one-month BarkBox gift certificate.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the photo contest and who attended our community "pup-ups" this month. Dogs and their human companions are a big part of the National Arboretum community, and we enjoyed celebrating them through these events.
We are incredibly grateful to our Top Dog Sponsor, Megan Purtell Photography, as well as all of our other sponsors for making these activities possible: Capital Dog Training Club of Washington, D.C., Fetch! Pet Care, Take Paws, and Your Dog's Friend.
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This Saturday, August 30th is the last day to enjoy summer evening hours at the National Arboretum.
Our final Food Truck Friday will feature Dos Carnales and Frosty Softy. Find them on Meadow Road between the Visitor Center and Arbor House from 5 PM to 7:30 PM on August 29th. Keep an eye on FONA's social media pages (Instagram, Facebook) for any weather-related Food Truck Friday updates.
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This Friday's and Saturday's summer evening hours are sponsored by Craven Rand, FONA's Executive Director. "A big thank you to everyone who supported the first year of Arboretum Summer Hours! Please GIVE TO FONA so we can make it a yearly tradition!"
Starting on Sunday, August 31st, the Arboretum will resume normal operating hours. Every day it will open at 8 AM and close at 5 PM, with last admittance to the grounds at 4:30 PM.
Summer changes to gate access will remain in place moving forward. The R Street entrance will stay open to both cars and pedestrians all day long. The New York Avenue entrance will close at 2 PM on weekdays and 4:30 PM on weekends.
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As the seasons begin to change and the days grow shorter, we are hosting some programs this fall to help ground you in your body and in the National Arboretum.
Immerse yourself in the resonate tones of sound bathing on Friday, September 19th at 6:30 PM. Led by SVDGVRL SOURCE, this is a meditative experience grounded in somatic care and intentional reflection. Registration costs $25 ($20 for FONA members, email us for the discount code). A limited number of $15 community discount tickets are available while supplies last.
Register for Evening Sound Bathing >
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Or join a morning yoga class and stretch your mind, body, and senses amongst the towering trees of the Grove. These classes are led by Bikram Yoga Works and are open to all skill levels. They will be held from 9 AM to 10 AM almost every Saturday from September 6th through October 18th. Registration costs $20 ($16 for FONA members, email us for the discount code). A limited number of $10 community discount tickets are available while supplies last.
Register for Morning Yoga >
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FONA is currently hiring a new Executive Director. This person will provide visionary leadership and strategic direction while driving the organization's mission and goals forward. They will lead all fundraising initiatives, oversee program execution, and and ensure impactful delivery of organizational priorities. Applications will close on September 12th.
Executive Director Job Description >
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Paid tickets are required to attend this event. General admission costs $25, or $20 for FONA members (members, email us for the discount code). A limited number of community discount tickets are available for $15. Children aged 12 and under can attend for free, but they must have a ticket.
Purchase a Concert Ticket >
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While hibiscus flowers are often associated with the tropics, some species don’t mind a bit of cold weather. Hibiscus moscheutos is native to eastern North America and is a component of many cold-hardy hibiscus crosses. These cultivars come in whites, pinks, reds, and purples, many with a darker eye in the center of the flower. Others have dark or variegated foliage that extends their season of interest in the garden. As the name swamp rose-mallow suggests, they prefer more moisture in the soil but are otherwise not too picky about soil types.
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Hibiscus are not only beautiful but are also beneficial to pollinators and humans alike. The flowers attract pollinators like butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, supporting a healthy garden ecosystem. The swamp rose-mallow is a host plant for over two dozen types of butterflies and moths, as well as the specialist rose-mallow bee. Many parts of the swamp rose-mallow plant are edible, including leaf buds, young leaves, and flowers, though they are generally not flavorful enough to be commonly eaten. The leaves can be made into a tea that is used to treat bladder infections and reduce inflammation. When visiting the Arboretum this summer, look for Hibiscus moscheutos along Springhouse Run and check out hardy hibiscus hybrids in the Introduction Garden.
| | Kamala Codrington-White, an Agricultural Science Research Technician at the National Arboretum, shares plants of note at the Arboretum in this recurring segment. Find these plants on your next trip to the Arboretum. Photos by the National Arboretum. | | |
Summer Evening Hours
June 1 - August 30, 5 PM - 8 PM
Arboretum grounds stay open to the public
Important Evening Hours Details >
Food Truck Friday: Dos Carnales & Frosty Softy
Friday, August 29, 5 PM - 7:30 PM
Serving Mexican food and ice cream
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 is open from 8 AM to 8 PM through August 30th for summer evening hours. Use the R Street entrance for entry/exit after 2 PM on weekdays or 4:30 PM on weekends. 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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