N° 72 — October 13, 2021
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.
When you become a FONA member, your gift supports all of FONA and helps programs like Washington Youth Garden thrive! We're celebrating WYG's 50th anniversary by redesigning our garden, adapting our school garden support programs, and expanding our youth development program. Join the celebration by becoming a FONA member or renewing today!
Building Community
Thank you to all who attended our FONA Fall Fest events!

We greatly enjoyed sharing school garden resources with you at our Garden Maintenance Morning, helping you find the perfect bulbs for your garden at our Bulb Sale, and racing with you through the Arboretum's collections on our Fall 5K run.
These events enable FONA to support and promote the National Arboretum. With funds raised from these events, we ensure the Arboretum's research and gardens are a resource for all, connect people with nature through our programs and events, and share the Arboretum's story with the world.
Thank you for building community at the National Arboretum this fall and supporting our work!

There's still time to join us for our fall forest bathing walks. Our suggested ticket price is $35, but please pay what you can to attend this guided meditation experience.
Arboretum Activities
Learn all about herbs! Tune in Thursday, October 14th at 1 PM for a Facebook Live event with National Arboretum horticulturist Erin Holden hosted by the USDA Agriculture Research Service.

Learn what role herbs play in maintaining a healthy gut, hear about the National Herb Garden's current research, and get your questions answered by an herb expert.
Jennifer Hatcher (right) served as FONA's board chair for the past two years.
Board Update
FONA's board elected a new slate of officers during our fall board meeting. We are excited to welcome Michael Stevens as FONA's new board chair. Michael is president of the Capitol Riverfront Business Improvement District and has served on FONA's board for the past 6 years.

We are extremely grateful for Jennifer Hatcher's service as FONA's board chair for the past two years. Her steady guidance has been crucial for FONA's growth and work during her tenure.
Garden Party
Thank you to all our David Fairchild Society members who recently joined us at our Garden Party! We enjoyed exploring Washington Youth Garden with you, reflecting on its 50 years of history, and sharing our upcoming projects.

Interested in joining David Fairchild Society or learning more about how you can support FONA?

Photo from: Kingman + Heritage Islands
From our Friends: Kingman + Heritage Islands
Head over to Kingman and Heritage Islands on Saturday, October 23rd from 10 AM to 2 PM for Family Day! Participate in free family-friendly activities, including paddling, nature walks, restoration plantings, yoga, and more. These islands are located just south of the National Arboretum on the Anacostia River.
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.
Friends of the National Arboretum
3501 New York Ave NE
Washington, DC 20002
202.544.8733
FONA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization with the mission to preserve and enhance a vibrant public space and support experiential programming that instills a love of plants, nature and the outdoors in all who visit, while promoting the overarching research and education mission of the U.S. National Arboretum.

Since its inception, FONA has helped support the Washington Youth Garden, Capitol Columns, Flowering Tree Walk, horticultural and research internships, restoration of Springhouse Run, and much more.
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