N° 96 — April 13, 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.
Arboretum Updates
The National Arboretum has updated its spring traffic plan to make the grounds more accessible to visitors with physical restrictions. From Monday through Thursday, the east side of the Arboretum will be accessible to vehicles. This area will be closed to vehicles from Friday through Sunday to make it safer for pedestrians.

Summer 5K
Enjoy the National Arboretum this summer during FONA's Summer 5K on June 25th. This race will take you past garden collections in bloom, over tree-lined rolling hills, and along streams winding their way to the Anacostia River.

All roads used for the race are closed to cars during this time so you can safely run. Strollers and dogs are welcome, but dogs must stay on a 5' non-retractable leash. If you're a FONA member, email us to receive your discount code.

Register today to get early-bird pricing!
  • Early-Bird Pricing until May 15th: $40, includes race t-shirt
  • Standard Pricing after May 15th: $55, t-shirt not included

Volunteering is back in our Washington Youth Garden! After two years of limited volunteers, we are thrilled to welcome back one-time and ongoing volunteers on Tuesday and Saturday mornings from 9 AM to 12 PM.

FONA's one-acre demonstration garden is dedicated to produce, pollinators, and child-friendly garden exploration. Volunteers provide crucial help with gardening tasks such as weeding, mulching, planting, seeding, and pest control. It's a great opportunity to learn from our garden team about maintaining a garden.

We will host a volunteer orientation this Saturday. Please sign up if you're interested in volunteering this spring!

Garden Fair & Plant Sale
Our Garden Fair & Plant Sale on Saturday, April 30th won't just have tons of plants and vendors, but also free family activities so kids can have fun, too!

We're partnering with DC Child Care Connections to bring you ARTboretum from 10 AM to 2 PM during the event. This free, family-friendly event celebrates the intersection of art and nature. There will be planting demonstrations, nature-based crafts, storytelling, book giveaways, field games, and more. Space is limited — please register to secure a spot.

Our Washington Youth Garden will also have a honey bee demonstration hive near the ARTboretum activity.

Remember, FONA members get early access to the Plant Sale from 8 AM to 10 AM. Become a member today to get first pick of these one-of-a-kind plants!

Spring Blooms
Redbud tree flowers are early harbingers of spring. Did you know that many parts of the redbud tree are edible, though? The Herb Society of America recently wrote an article about the ethnobotanical history of redbud trees in North America. Only try this at home — while the Arboretum is home to many redbud trees, please do not pick or collect any plants or plant parts from the Arboretum.

From our Friends: National Capital Area Garden Clubs
Want your photos displayed at the National Arboretum? Our friends at National Capital Area Garden Clubs are creating a “Nurturing Earth Flower Show,” which includes a youth art show at the Arboretum on April 22-23!

How does it work? The art show is open to all 1st graders through 12th graders. Participants must submit their photo entries by April 17th, and must follow one of the themes: nature, or recycling in your neighborhood.

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, 10 AM - 1 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.
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