SHARE:  
N° 97 — April 20, 2022
Stay in touch as we celebrate Washington Youth Garden's 50th Anniversary. Enjoy our updates and insights from FONA, the U.S. National Arboretum, and WYG.

The National Arboretum has implemented a temporary traffic plan through mid-May to keep the grounds safe for all visitors during an extremely busy time of year. This traffic plan impacts gate access, traffic flow, and parking.
Spring Blooms
Azalea peak bloom is almost here! We’re expecting the National Arboretum's Azalea Collections to reach peak bloom between April 23rd and April 30th. These collections are home to thousands of azaleas, many of which were bred by the Arboretum's research program.

Plan your visit for a weekday to avoid the crowds. Check out the Arboretum's self-guided azalea tour by downloading the Arboretum's mobile app (iOS or Android).

Garden Fair & Plant Sale
Come for the plants, stay for the fair! We're hosting over 25 local vendors at our Garden Fair & Plant Sale on Saturday, April 30th. While FONA members get early access to the Plant Sale from 8 AM to 10 AM (become a member today), fair vendors are open to the public from 8 AM to 4 PM.

Check out the full list of local gardening, home goods, food, and beverage vendors you'll see at the event.

Stop by Supreme Core Cider for a drink after the Garden Fair. When you visit our next-door neighbors at Supreme Core on the day of a FONA event, 10% of your purchase is donated back to FONA! The Supreme Core taproom is just two blocks from the National Arboretum's R Street entrance.

You must show your FONA Eventbrite registration or proof of attendance for your purchase to qualify. Another great reason to register for the event!

Tune into next week's newsletter for final Garden Fair & Plant Sale reminders, including parking and shuttle information.
Want to celebrate Earth Day with your young learner? Join Allie Arnold, FONA's School Garden Program Manager, and the DC Association for the Education of Young Children for a virtual Earth Day event this Friday, April 22nd from 11 to 11:30 AM.

This interactive event will bring the garden to the students with plant yoga, dancing, and virtual garden exploration. This event is free but registration is required.

Are you a DC area educator who wants inspiration and tips on garden-based teaching? Are you a parent or family member who wants to learn how to grow food so you can grow with your community? Sign up for our quarterly newsletter, the School Garden Gateway, and learn:
  • Seasonal garden tips
  • Upcoming events at the Washington Youth Garden in the National Arboretum
  • Local educator highlights
  • Curricular and professional development resources
  • The importance of agriculture, food, and environmental education

Nature Challenge
The City Nature Challenge is an annual citizen science competition where cities around the world find and document urban plants and wildlife. This year's friendly competition takes place from Friday, April 29th through Monday, May 2nd.

It's easy to participate — just get outdoors, observe the plants and animals around you, and record your findings in the free iNaturalist app. Depending on where you live, you can contribute towards either the Washington, DC or Baltimore City counts. Let the friendly competition begin!

Upcoming Events
Garden Fair & Plant Sale
April 30, 8 AM - 4 PM
Plants, local products, and expert advice

Lunar Eclipse Viewing
May 15, 8 PM - Midnight
Laid-back viewing in the Meadow

WYG 50th Anniversary Weekend
Birthday Party June 11, 11 AM - 1:30 PM
Evening Benefit June 12, 5:30 PM - 8 PM

Summer 5K
June 25, 9 AM
Scenic race through collections in bloom
The Arboretum is open every day from 8 AM to 5 PM except December 25th. Some buildings and collections remain closed to ensure visitor and staff safety.
Did a friend forward you this newsletter?