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N° 169 — October 18, 2023

Enjoy regular updates and insights from FONA, the U.S. National Arboretum, and our award-winning Washington Youth Garden.

2023 MarCom Awards

FONA Field Notes has received a gold MarCom Award in the External Newsletter Publication Nonprofit category!


The MarCom Awards is a large and well-respected international creative competition. It recognizes outstanding achievement in the concept, direction, design, and production of marketing and communication materials and programs. This year, MarCom received over 6,500 entries from 45 countries for consideration in 300 categories.

FONA is honored to receive this award. We started making FONA Field Notes in April 2020 as a way of connecting people to the National Arboretum, nature, and each other during a tumultuous time. After publishing 169 issues over three and a half years, we are committed to continuing to share the National Arboretum's work with the world.


Read Our Award Submission >

Arboretum Field Trip

This week, members of FONA's staff, board, and the National Arboretum's team visited the Morris Arboretum & Gardens and Awbury Arboretum, both located outside of Philadelphia. They met with colleagues from each institution, toured the grounds, and learned about their programs and operations. FONA appreciated this chance to learn from other horticulture and garden institutions.


Consider visiting these arboreta next time you are in the Philadelphia area. While the Awbury Arboretum is free to enter, the Morris Arboretum charges an entry fee. FONA members receive free reciprocal admission to the Morris Arboretum as a FONA member benefit.


About the Morris Arboretum & Gardens >

About the Awbury Arboretum >

Top: Members of FONA's staff, board, and the Arboretum's team learn about the Morris Arboretum's canopy trail. Bottom: The group tours the Awbury Arboretum.

Photo by Beth Haubach

Review FONA

Help FONA renew our GreatNonprofits "badge of transparency" for 2023 by writing a short, candid review about your experience and impression of FONA (not the National Arboretum itself). Your review will help others learn about our work, and the badge will increase our visibility and demonstrate supporters' trust. Reviews must be submitted by Tuesday, October 31st.


Submit Your Review >

Plant Spotlight

Chinese Parrotia (Parrotia subaequalis), or Ironwood, is a newcomer to the U.S. nursery trade, as it was only introduced in the last few decades. It is tougher than its Persian cousin and puts on an absolutely dazzling display in the fall. Its leaves shift through bright reds, maroons, and purples that delight all who see them. Make sure to visit the Flowering Tree Walk, Hamamelis Collection, or the Gotelli Conifer Collection to see Chinese Ironwood for yourself!


Kamala Codrington-White, an ORISE fellow at the National Arboretum, shares plants of note at the Arboretum in this new recurring segment. Find these plants on your next trip to the Arboretum this fall.

Top: Photo by the Arnold Arboretum. Bottom: Photo by the U.S. National Arboretum.

Photo by We BE Walkin'.

Outdoor Corner

We BE Walkin', in partnership with FONA, will host Fallin' for the Trails, a free walk and yoga event this Sunday, October 22nd from 10 AM to 12:30 PM. We BE Walkin' is a group dedicated to introducing Black and Brown people to the outdoors. This event will take participants on a 2.5 mile walk around the Arboretum and conclude with a short yoga flow and refreshments. Registration is required for this event.


Register for Fallin' for the Trails >

Upcoming Events

Garlic Planting Party

October 28, 11 AM - 2 PM

Fall planting, crafts, and more in Washington Youth Garden

Details & Registration >


Fall 5K

November 12, 9 AM

Run or walk through stunning fall foliage (Members use your discount code)

Details & Registration >


Winter Festival & Tree Sale

December 2, 10 AM - 4 PM

Holiday market, Christmas trees, activities

Details Coming Soon!


Christmas Tree Sale

December 3, 10 AM - 4 PM

Purchase Christmas trees & holiday greenery

Details Coming Soon!


Volunteer in Washington Youth Garden

Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays

Opportunities for individuals, groups, & teens

Details & Registration >


Forest Bathing Walks

Various dates and times

Meditation and mindfulness

Upcoming Dates & Registration >

The Arboretum is open every day from 8 AM to 5 PM except December 25th.

Check Our Website for Full Details >

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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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