FONA was recently awarded a Food and Agriculture Service Learning Program grant in excess of $200K from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

FONA was one of just 12 groups across the nation to receive this grant.

This grant will support our School Garden Support Programs, where we work with educators across the District to build strong, sustainable school garden programs. This program empowers teachers to connect students to garden-based education through field trips in Washington Youth Garden, virtual classroom support, and professional development opportunities for DC educators.

Learn About the 2022 Awardees > 

Educators, jump-start your school garden's fall growing season with supplies and knowledge from Washington Youth Garden. Join us in the garden from 11 AM to noon this Saturday, September 10th and get free garden supplies such as compost and seedlings, attend a short garden training, and network with fellow educators. Please register to let us know you're coming.

Details & Registration >

Last week, we sat down with Dr. Harlan Svoboda, curator of the National Arboretum's Herbarium, for our Digging In lecture series. Watch the recording to learn what it takes to digitize an herbarium with 700,000 specimens in it, and why this project is so important.

Did you know FONA members get to participate live in Digging In events as part of their member benefits? We're lining up great speakers this year for this quarterly series — become a member today so you can dig in with the experts.

Become a FONA Member >

Help FONA by writing a review of our organization! Please help us earn a badge from GreatNonprofits by writing a short, candid review about your experience and impression of FONA and Washington Youth Garden (not the U.S. National Arboretum itself). These reviews must be submitted by the end of October.

Submit Your Review >

Visit the National Herb Garden at the Arboretum on Saturday, September 17th from 1 PM to 4 PM for an Under the Arbor Program featuring lemon herbs. This free event is hosted by the South Jersey Unit of The Herb Society of America.

Under the Arbor Programs are informal, herb-related demonstrations presented by members of the Mid-Atlantic Units of The Herb Society of America.

Dinner Under the Stars

September 20, 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Cocktails and dinner in the Meadow

Details & Tickets >

Fall Festival & Bulb Sale

October 1, 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 >

Procrastinator's Holiday Market & Tree Sale

December 10, 9 AM - 4 PM

Shop local vendors and holiday greenery

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 >