N° 39 — February 2, 2021
Happy Black History Month! We're taking time this month to celebrate and reflect on the Black horticulturalists, botanists, and agriculturalists who shaped our world.

Please enjoy our regular updates and insights from FONA, the U.S. National Arboretum, and our award-winning Washington Youth Garden.
Agricultural scientist George Washington Carver is known for his work on soil regeneration, crop rotation, and composting. Photo by: Frances Benjamin Johnston, 1906 via Library of Congress
Black Legacies: George Washington Carver
George Washington Carver was a renowned Black agricultural scientist from the first half of the 20th century.

Carver's work on soil regeneration, crop rotation, and composting were decades ahead of his time and allowed Black sharecroppers a way to subsist on their land in ways "scientific agriculture" did not.

Smithsonian Magazine dives deep into Carver's legacy, what his work meant for Black farmers in the 20th century, and what his legacy means for American agriculture today.

From our Friends: National Bonsai Foundation
Let Michael James, the National Bonsai Museum curator, guide you on a virtual tour of the museum.

Produced by the National Bonsai Foundation and filmed by photographer and videographer Stephen Voss, this virtual tour offers a look into the world of bonsai and the museum's collection.

Produced by: National Bonsai Foundation; Filmed by: Stephen Voss
What does it take to curate a living museum of horticultural masterpieces? Learn how and interest in art and plant science led Michael James to bonsai.

Equitable Outdoors
Join a roundtable discussion tonight from 8:30 - 10 PM as Black experts discuss the opportunities to advance equitable access, representation, and safety among Black communities in nature.

This roundtable is the third in a 3-part series hosted by the National Wildlife Federation in partnership with Outdoor Afro, Black AF in STEM, The Links, Inc., and Patagonia.

Mr. President and The First Lady working together to add sticks to their snowy nest this morning. Photo by: American Eagle Foundation
Eagle Updates
As of February 1st, Azalea Road and parts of the Azalea Collection are closed to visitors. These closures on Mt. Hamilton occur every spring as mating season begins for the Arboretum's resident pair of bald eagles.

The eagles, known as 'Mr. President' and 'The First Lady', have been very busy preparing their nest for spring with fresh sticks and defending the nest from other eagles. The American Eagle Foundation has two camera's perched above the nest so you can watch the action live!

February Forest Bathing
We've got your Valentine's Day date covered. Our 2-hour long forest bathing walks encourage you to slow down and take in the National Arboretum through all your senses.

Tickets are $35 (FONA members receive 20% discount). Bring your partner, grab some friends, or go solo!

Join us this February:
  • Saturday, Feb. 13 from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM
  • Sunday, Feb. 14 from 10 AM to 12 PM
  • Sunday, Feb. 14 from 1 PM to 3 PM

Thank You!
Thank you to all who reviewed FONA on GreatNonprofits this year — we're one of the first winners of a 2021 Top-Rated Award! Thank you for helping others learn about FONA's work, we greatly appreciate your contributions.

The Arboretum is open every day from 8 AM - 5 PM except December 25th. Some buildings and collections remain closed to ensure visitor and staff safety.