What does it mean to be a part of the David Fairchild Society? The David Fairchild Society (DFS) is FONA's highest level of membership. It is a community of individuals who are passionate to learn and share about FONA's and the National Arboretum's work.

DFS members enjoy exclusive opportunities throughout the year to learn about the Arboretum. They attend tours, virtual events, lectures, garden parties, and more.

Join DFS or renew your membership today! Annual membership starts at $1,200. There are many ways to give, including: making a donation online, sending a gift of stock, a Donor Advised fund grant, or a Qualified Charitable Donation. Visit our website or email Claire Alrich to learn more about DFS.

Learn More & Join the David Fairchild Society >

The National Arboretum introduced a new tree into the American nursery industry earlier this fall. Strawberry Moon Chitalpa (×Chitalpa tashkentensis 'Strawberry Moon') is the result of a cross between Pink Dawn Chitalpa (×Chitalpa tashkentensis ‘Pink Dawn') and Chinese catalpa (Catalpa ovata).

'Strawberry Moon' has a myriad of desirable traits that make it unique from its parents. It has deeper pink flowers, improved powdery mildew resistance, and improved tree form. Due to its triploid nature, or three full sets of chromosomes, 'Strawberry Moon' also has reduced fruit set and smaller foliage size. This makes it easier to clean up after in the fall.

Strawberry Moon Chitalpa is the result of research conducted by Dr. Richard T. Olsen before he became director of the National Arboretum. He started hybridization research as a PhD student at North Carolina State University, and continued it as a plant geneticist at the Arboretum.

Learn More About Strawberry Moon Chitalpa >

What is it like to work at one of the premiere arboreta in the country? The National Arboretum is accepting applications for 2024 horticulture, research, and archive internship positions until January 15th.

These internships range in length from three months to one year. They offer hands-on work experience and training in horticulture, botany, plant research, or archival duties.

Horticulture Internship Details >

Research Internship Details >

Archives Internship Details >

Thanks to support from FONA's members and donors, FONA funded seven of the Arboretum's thirteen interns in 2023. Read our recent Arbor Friends feature to meet the 2023 Arboretum intern cohort, learn about their projects, and discover what's next for them.

Meet the 2023 Interns >

How much do you know about allspice (Pimenta dioica)? Allspice berries combine the flavors of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and black pepper all into one spice. The tree these berries grow on is native to Mexico, Jamaica, and Central America, and almost went extinct during the Victorian era. The Herb Society of America recently wrote about this incredible spice.

Learn More About Allspice >

FONA is honored to receive four top ratings this year from Charity Navigator, Spur Local, Great Nonprofits, and Candid. These organizations evaluate nonprofits based on a wide range of standards, including accountability, finance, impact, results, leadership, adaptability, culture, and community.

FONA is committed to being transparent with our supporters so we can continue making meaningful change in our community together. Click on each badge to learn more.

Forest Bathing Walk

Sunday, December 31, various times

Meditation and mindfulness

Sign Up for the Waitlist >

Native Plant Sale

Saturday, March 23, 2024

Local native plant vendors

Save the date — details to come

Spring into School Gardening

Saturday, March 23, 2024

Free resources for educators, in WYG

Save the date — details to come

Flowering 5K

Sunday, March 24, 2023

Run or walk through collections in bloom

(Members use your discount code)

Details & Registration >

Garden Fair & Plant Sale

Saturday, April 27, 2024

Plants, vendors, and activities

Save the date — details to come