Earlier this month, we highlighted the role Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Company 1360 had in building the National Arboretum's infrastructure. This company was an all-Black unit stationed at the National Arboretum from 1933 to 1941.

Since then, ABC 7 News interviewed Dr. Richard T. Olsen, Director of the National Arboretum, about the CCC's work at the Arboretum and the company's lasting legacy. Watch the interview and see photos from CCC Camp NA-1 that have never before been shared publicly.

Watch the Interview >

Our garden team has started planting seeds in the Arboretum's polyhouse to prepare for Washington Youth Garden's spring growing season. The team will transplant the seedlings into garden beds once they grow bigger and the weather warms up.

FONA's work at the Washington Youth Garden would not be possible without incredible support from the National Arboretum. In addition to sharing space in greenhouses, the Arboretum staff also share resources and equipment throughout the year. Most recently, Kevin Conrad used Arboretum machines to help our team remove metal edging that had been buried underground for years. We greatly appreciate the Arboretum's support and expertise!

Applications for our two seasonal positions close this Monday, February 27th! Apply today to join our team for the following positions:

School Garden Support Educator >

This full-time seasonal position will support the School Garden Support program team’s work in schools from March through November.

Youth Programs Educator >

This full-time seasonal position will support the Green Ambassadors Program and SPROUT program from March through November.

As the growing season begins for farmers across the region, we would like to highlight Black owned and operated farms in the DMV you can support this spring. This list of 41 farms, created by Future Harvest Chesapeake Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture, also includes local food justice organizations you can support and other resources for BIPOC farmers.

When possible, purchasing produce directly from farmers at markets or through Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) shares is the best way to support local growers.

Check Out the List of Black-Owned Farms >

Cultivated Stones: Chinese Scholars' Rocks from the Kemin Hu Collection is now available to order. This 152-page book details the recent gift of Chinese stones to the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum. It was published by the National Bonsai Foundation and includes stunning photos and writings curated by Arboretum staff.

Order Your Copy of Cultivated Stones >

A selection of Chinese scholars' rocks from the Kemin Hu Collection is available to view in the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum's Exhibits Gallery. See traditional landscape stones, modern stones, and animal-shaped stones. The Museum is open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM.

Connecting Cultures: Japanese Flowering Cherries in America

March 18, 1 PM - 4:30 PM

Cherry tree symposium hosted by the National Arboretum

Details & Registration >

36th Annual Lahr Native Plant Symposium

March 25, 9:30 AM - 3:45 PM

Native plant symposium hosted by the National Arboretum

Details & Registration >

Native Plant Sale

March 25, 8:15 AM - 2 PM

Local native plant vendors

Details & Registration >

Garden Fair & Plant Sale

Saturday, April 29th

Details coming soon