N° 110 — August 3, 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.
A U.S. Department of Agriculture sketch of an avocado from 1910. Image from the National Archives.
Botanical Legacies: Avocados
National Avocado Day was this past Sunday — but how did this popular fruit come to the United States in the first place? David Fairchild was an agricultural explorer who introduced over 200,000 varieties of plants to the United States in the early 1900s, including the avocado. He is also the namesake of our David Fairchild Society, a passionate community of FONA supporters.

In the 1890s, Fairchild shipped a Chilean variety of avocados back to the United States. Fairchild picked this variety because they ripened faster than other varieties he'd found throughout Central America. In 1926, a postman and amateur horticulturist named Rudolph Hass accidentally created a new tasty avocado variety with thicker skin that extended the avocado's shelf life. The Hass variety now makes up about 95% of the avocados grown in the United States.

In early July, FONA hosted 32 participants from 13 schools for our 2021 Summer Institute for Garden-based Teaching. This 4-day training focused on building school garden programs by developing participants' outdoor teaching skills, learning best practices of sustainable garden programs, and planning for the upcoming school year. By bringing together a diverse mix of team members from each school, we build a stronger support network that makes running school gardens more sustainable.
Photo by Kelsey Cochran
participants in discussion at a picnic table
Photo by Kelsey Cochran
One participant shared:

"Outdoor learning has a huge positive impact on adults as well as children and should be practiced with consistency. This training has connected me to so many resources which makes me feel confident that I can start the school year with my goal of making outdoor learning as my topmost priority."

Though our annual summer training is over, FONA will continue to support school garden programs throughout the school year through our Educator Coaching Program as well as offer seasonal training for garden-based teaching.
Photos by Plume Photography.
Dinner Under the Stars
Join us Tuesday, September 20th from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM for our 26th annual Dinner Under the Stars. Enjoy cocktails in the National Arboretum's Ellipse Meadow and a tented dinner in view of the Capitol Columns.

Spend a fall evening with friends, colleagues, business leaders, and government representatives. Reserve a table or purchase individual tickets.

Summer Evenings
Grab your picnic blanket and dancing shoes — the U.S. Navy Band is coming to the National Arboretum on Wednesday, August 10th! Doors will open at 6 PM and the concert will go from 7 PM until about 8:15 PM. Picnics and dogs (on leash) are welcome.

Upcoming Events
U.S. Navy Band Concert
August 10, 7 PM - 8:30 PM
Free outdoor concert in the Meadow

Yoga
Sundays this summer, 10 AM - 11 AM
Find your flow with Bluebird Sky Yoga
FONA Members, use your discount code

Forest Bathing
Various dates and times
Meditation and mindfulness

Dinner Under the Stars
September 20, 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Cocktails and dinner in the Meadow
Fall Festival & Bulb Sale
October 1, 10 AM - 2 PM
Unique bulbs and family activities
Save the date — more details coming soon!

Garlic Planting Party
October 29
Fall planting and crafts in WYG
Save the date — more details coming soon!

Fall 5K
November 12, 9 AM
Run or walk through stunning fall foliage

Procrastinator's Holiday Market & Tree Sale
December 10, 9 AM - 4 PM
Shop local vendors and holiday greenery
Save the date — more details coming soon!
We are taking next week off from FONA Field Notes so our team can enjoy their summer vacations. See you in two weeks!
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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