N° 178 — December 20, 2023
Enjoy regular updates and insights from FONA, the U.S. National Arboretum, and our award-winning Washington Youth Garden.
The Arboretum is open every day from 8 AM to 5 PM except December 25th. We hope you enjoy visiting the Arboretum this holiday season!
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A recent Fall Colors Tour. | |
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.
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Photos by J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co. | |
New Arboretum Introduction |
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 >
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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 >
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Photo by U.S. National Arboretum | |
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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 >
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From our Friends: Herb Society of America |
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 >
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Allspice berries ripening on the tree. Photo by Forest and Kim Starr via Flickr. | |
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.
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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
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