FONA's 2022 Annual Report is here! 2022 brought back many of FONA's fan-favorite events and programs, including the Garden Fair & Plant Sale, field trips in Washington Youth Garden, and Dinner Under the Stars. 11,700 people attended 18 public FONA events and programs, and our garden education programs connected 7,642 DC Title 1 students to food, the land, and each other.

Check out the report to see for yourself FONA's impact and accomplishments in 2022.

Read FONA's 2022 Annual Report >

We're looking for people to join our team! We are currently accepting applications 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. Application closes February 27th.

Youth Programs Educator >

This full-time seasonal position will support the Green Ambassadors Program and SPROUT program from March through November. Application closes February 27th.

Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) is a popular legume that originates from Africa and India. It spread to North and Central America through the Atlantic slave trade, where it is now an important part of the Caribbean diaspora cuisine.

Pigeon peas are very high in protein and were an essential food source for enslaved people when they first arrived in the Caribbean. Pigeon peas will grow as one of many culture crops in the Washington Youth Garden this year.

Learn About Pigeon Pea's History >

According to experts at the National Arboretum and DC Department of Energy & Environment, the Arboretum's nesting pair of bald eagles have built a new nest for the 2023 season. Mr. President and LOTUS built the new nest on Arboretum property in the woods between Fern Valley and the Langston Golf Course.

Experts say this behavior of building a new nest is normal and happens often in the wild. The new nest is much bigger than the previous one, and is located closer to the Anacostia River, the eagles' main food source.

Mr. President and LOTUS performed bonding flights throughout the fall. Based on their current behavior in the nest, it is highly likely they have already laid an egg.

While there won't be a livestream camera in the nest this year to watch the eagles in action, they are often seen flying over the Arboretum. Due to the nest's isolated location and large size, it is difficult to see the eagles when they are in the nest. Please mind the trails that are closed off between the Fern Valley parking lots and the Langston Golf Course and give the eagles their space.

The National Arboretum recently won three awards recognizing it as a top venue in the United States. The Arboretum was named a "2023 Best of Weddings" by The Knot for the second year in a row. It also won "2022 Planners Choice Award" by Unique Venues and "Best of Unique Venues in Washington, DC" by PartySlate.

Weddings and private events at the National Arboretum are run by FONA in partnership with MTG Hospitality. Our venue rental program offers an array of wedding packages that allow couples to choose between a number of catering partners and location options around the Arboretum.

We are honored and excited the National Arboretum was recognized with these awards. 2024 wedding dates are now available!

Request Information About Available Dates >

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