The National Arboretum sits on land in the Chesapeake Bay watershed along the Anacostia River and near the Potomac River. This land was shaped over hundreds of millions of years by the erosion of the Appalachian Mountains into an impact crater at the mouth of the Bay.

Indigenous people have lived and stewarded the land now known as Washington, DC for thousands of years. The Nacotchtank tribe resided on it when European settlers arrived in the 17th century. The rivers and surrounding land provided the Nacotchtank fish, game, and farming land.

Colonist encroachment drove Nacotchtank peoples from their land onto Analostan Island during the 17th century. By the end of the century, the tribe joined the larger Piscataway tribe and many members moved away to what would become Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland.

Today, thousands of Indigenous peoples from numerous tribes still live and work in and around Washington, DC. Use this mobile app, Guide to Indigenous DC, to learn more about the past and present history of Indigenous people in Washington, DC.

Guide to Indigenous DC >

Become a new FONA member or renew your membership this fall before our rates increase on January 1st, 2023.

We haven't raised our rates in over 10 years. In that time, we have strengthened how FONA supports the National Arboretum and our community through programs, events, and partnerships. We are raising our membership rates in 2023 to cover the increased costs of these efforts.

Membership support makes our work possible. Members enjoy exclusive benefits throughout the year, but more importantly, members champion FONA and the Arboretum. Join or renew today to lock in 2022 rates for another year.

FONA Membership >

Our rescheduled Fall Festival & Bulb Sale is this Saturday, October 15th from 10 AM to 2 PM. Enjoy free family activities, shop with local vendors, and stock up on favorite and unusual bulbs for your garden. This event is located across from Arbor House near the R Street entrance. Click the link below to see full details, register for activities, and see what vendors are coming.

Fall Festival & Bulb Sale >

With schools back in session, we are sharing the fresh fruits and vegetables grown at Washington Youth Garden directly with students and families at our partner schools.

Our team has grown and harvested almost 6,900 pounds of produce this year. During the summer when schools were on break, we donated produce to DC Central Kitchen and Children's Defense Fund Freedom Schools. Now that students are back in classrooms, our School Garden Support program team visits one of our partner schools each week to distribute bags of fresh produce directly with students and families.

Early-bird registration for our Fall 5K ends this Sunday! Enjoy the Arboretum's fall colors while running or walking this course on November 12th.

If you sign up by Sunday, October 16th, registration costs $40 and includes a race t-shirt. Registration after October 17th is $50 and does not include a t-shirt (FONA members, use your discount code).

Register for the 5K >

It's your last week to vote for Best of DC — voting closes at midnight ET on October 16th. Vote for the National Arboretum and FONA in this year's Best of DC and help more people discover the Arboretum.

Please vote for the following four categories:

• "Best Date Activity" in Arts & Entertainment: vote for the U.S. National Arboretum
• "Best Place to Day Trip" in People & Places: vote for the U.S. National Arboretum
• "Best Nonprofit" in People & Places: vote for Friends of the National Arboretum
• "Best Kid-Friendly Attraction" in People & Places: vote for Washington Youth Garden

Cast Your Vote >

Fall Festival & Bulb Sale

October 15, 10 AM - 2 PM

Unique bulbs and family activities

Details & Tickets >

Garlic Planting Party

October 29, 11 AM - 2 PM

Fall planting and crafts in WYG

Details & Tickets >

Fall 5K

November 12, 9 AM

Run or walk through stunning fall foliage

FONA Members, use your discount code

Register for the Race >

Tree Sale Pre-Sale

December 3, 10 AM - 4 PM

Shop holiday greenery

Details & Tree Info >

Winter Festival

December 10, 10 AM - 4 PM

Local vendors, holiday greenery, and free family activities

Details & Tickets >

Yoga

Various dates and times

Find your flow with Bluebird Sky Yoga

FONA Members, use your discount code

Purchase Your Ticket >

Forest Bathing

Various dates and times

Meditation and mindfulness

Purchase Your Ticket >