N° 162 — August 29, 2023
Enjoy regular updates and insights from FONA, the U.S. National Arboretum, and our award-winning Washington Youth Garden.
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With fall quickly approaching, we have many exciting events and programs planned to connect people with nature and each other at the National Arboretum. We hope you can join us! | |
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Fall into School Gardening
September 9 | 11 AM - 12 PM
Educators, jump-start your school garden's fall growing season at the Washington Youth Garden. Get free garden supplies, including seeds, seedlings, compost, and straw mulch. Also, network with other teachers and attend a short garden training about how to prepare garden beds and use row cover. Please register to let us know you're coming to this free event.
Details & Registration >
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Fall Festival & Bulb Sale
September 30 | 10 AM - 2 PM
Celebrate fall at the Arboretum! Stock up on both favorite and unusual bulbs, shop from a small number of local vendors, and try out free nature-based activities for the whole family.
We will have 52 different types of bulbs for sale, ranging from alliums, to irises, to tulips. Many of these bulbs are new to our sale and our supplier, so be the first on your block to plant them! Registration is preferred but not required — let us know you're coming and receive important event updates.
Details & Registration >
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Photo by Bluebird Sky Yoga | |
Yoga in the Grove
Saturdays at 10 AM through September
Find your flow and get grounded in the Grove with yoga instructors from Bluebird Sky Yoga. All experience levels are welcome! Classes cost $26 (20% off for FONA members).
Details & Registration >
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Garlic Planting Party
October 28 | 11 AM - 2 PM
Celebrate the end of the growing season with us in the Washington Youth Garden. We'll plant garlic, harvest vegetables, play games, and more! Wearing Halloween costumes is highly encouraged. Registration is preferred but not required — let us know you're coming and receive important event updates.
Details & Registration >
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Fall 5K
November 12 | 9 AM
Enjoy the Arboretum's fall colors while running or walking the course. Strollers and dogs are allowed, but dogs must stay on a six-foot non-retractable leash.
Register now for $40 to lock in early bird prices before they increase on September 17th at 11:59 PM. Race t-shirts are guaranteed with Early Bird and Regular Registration.
Details & Registration >
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Winter Festival & Tree Sale
Early December
Keep an eye out for upcoming details about our annual Winter Festival & Tree Sale in early December! We will have Christmas trees and other holiday greenery for sale, over 25 vendors selling local products, and free family activities. Celebrate the holidays with FONA and get all your shopping done in one spot.
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Forest Bathing
Various dates & times
Let us guide you in disconnecting from the digital world and reconnecting with nature during this mindfulness experience. Walks are held throughout the fall, including on Veteran's Day and New Year's Eve. Our suggested ticket price is $35 ($28 for FONA members), but please pay what you can to attend.
Details & Registration >
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Volunteers provide critical support to our events and programs — we could not do our work without them! Whether it's helping garden in the Washington Youth Garden or assisting with events, there's something for everyone to get involved with. | |
Garden Volunteering
Through Mid-November
Volunteers provide crucial help with gardening tasks such as weeding, planting, mulching, and pest control. You don’t need prior experience, but you must be willing to make friends with the soil and the bugs!
Volunteer as an individual and join regularly-scheduled volunteer hours on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
We also work with groups to plan private volunteer days on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
Teens can also join us for specifically-designated Teen Volunteer Days, which are held monthly on Saturdays during the fall. This is a great opportunity to meet other young folks while completing community service requirements for school.
Learn More About Garden Volunteering >
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Event Volunteering
Various dates & times
Help at FONA's public events throughout the year. Spend a day bringing holiday cheer by supporting our Winter Festival, help racers find their way on the course during the Fall 5K, and more. No experience is required. We value any help you can provide, whether you volunteer for one or multiple events.
Event Volunteer Interest Form >
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