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N° 186 — February 21, 2024
Enjoy regular updates and insights from FONA, the U.S. National Arboretum, and our award-winning Washington Youth Garden.
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Spring is right around the corner! We have many exciting events and programs planned to connect people to nature at the National Arboretum. | | |
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Native Plant Sale
Saturday, March 23 | 8 AM - 1 PM
Get a head start on spring with one of the earliest plant sales in the area. Our annual Native Plant Sale includes a small number of vendors (~5-7 vendors) from across the mid-Atlantic selling spring ephemerals and many other choice perennials and woody plants. Registration is preferred but not required, let us know you're coming!
The sale takes place in conjunction with the National Arboretum’s Lahr Native Plant Symposium (see details below).
Details & Registration >
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Spring into School Gardening
Saturday, March 23 | 11 AM - 12:30 PM
Educators, jump start your school garden's spring growing season with supplies and knowledge from the Washington Youth Garden. Get free garden supplies such as compost and seedlings, attend a short garden training, and network with fellow educators. Save the date, registration is coming soon.
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Flowering 5K
Sunday, March 24 | 9 AM
Enjoy the beautiful spring blooms at the Arboretum while running or walking the course. This race will take you past garden collections brightly colored with spring flowers, over tree-lined rolling hills, and along winding streams. All roads are closed to cars during this race to create a safe and secure event.
Register now to secure your spot at the starting line. Space is limited and filling very quickly. Registration costs $50, and race t-shirts are available while supplies last. FONA members, use your discount code to receive 20% off.
Details & Registration >
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Youth Poetry Slam
Saturday, April 6 | 2 PM - 4 PM
Compete in a youth poetry slam in the Washington Youth Garden! Youth ages 8 to 15 to are invited to perform an original poem and compete for prizes. This free event is open to the public to both participate in and attend. Competitors must register in order to participate. Audience members are strongly encouraged to register so we have enough snacks.
Details & Registration >
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Garden Fair & Plant Sale
Saturday, April 27 | 9 AM - 4 PM
Celebrate spring with our fantastic array of plants, expert gardening advice, dozens of local vendors, and outdoor activities! The annual Garden Fair & Plant Sale is FONA’s largest seasonal festival and is an important fundraiser for us. New this year — W.S. Jenks & Son will host a raised bed workshop (pre-registration is required, tickets go on sale March 27th).
The Garden Fair will be held in the New York Avenue parking lot this year to allow for ample room for shopping. Free shuttles will transport people from parking lots around the Arboretum to the event.
Details & Registration >
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Music in the Meadow: Cumbia Heights
Friday, May 17
Join us for a spring evening concert in the Ellipse Meadow. Enjoy a a picnic while you listen to music from Cumbia Heights, a neo-cumbian band based in Washington, DC with alt-tropical vibes. Save the date, registration is coming soon.
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Grow the Garden Celebration
Saturday, June 8
Save the date to celebrate! We want to thank our Grow the Garden campaign supporters and share Phase 2 improvements, including the Washington Youth Garden's new perimeter fence. This daytime event will be open to our entire community. Save the date, registration is coming soon.
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Forest Bathing Walks
Various dates & times | March - December
Let us guide you in disconnecting from the digital world and reconnecting with nature during this mindfulness experience. Our suggested ticket price is $35 ($28 for FONA members), but please pay what you can to attend. Registration is required, and tickets will go on sale soon.
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We are hiring an Assistant Garden Coordinator who is excited to get their hands dirty in the Washington Youth Garden! This part-time seasonal position (~5 hours/week) will support garden maintenance and drop-in Saturday volunteer hours in WYG. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, apply no later than March 1.
Read the Full Position Description >
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Spring Events Hosted by USNA | | |
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37th Annual Lahr Native Plant Symposium
Saturday, March 23 | 9 AM - 4 PM
Join the U.S. National Arboretum for seven engaging presentations concerning both native plant gardens and native ecosystems. Learn about soil health management, destructive pests, forest restoration, current research on seed conservation, and the best native trees for your garden.
This course is hosted by the Arboretum, with registration support by FONA. Registration costs $95. FONA members, use your discount code to receive 20% off.
Details & Registration >
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Bonsai Basics: Chrysanthemum Bonsai
5 Classes | May 4 - November 2
The horticultural perfection of a bonsai does not have to take decades to accomplish. The chrysanthemum can be artfully shaped into a bonsai within one growing season. This Bonsai Basics course is a series of five classes. Participants meet about once a month for lectures and demonstrations, beginning on Saturday, May 4th and concluding on Saturday, November 2nd.
This course is hosted by the Arboretum, with registration support by FONA. Registration costs $200 for the entire course. FONA members, use your discount code to receive 20% off. Register soon, spots are limited and this event fills quickly!
Details & Registration >
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Want to support FONA's events and programs through volunteering? Stay tuned for next week's FONA Field Notes, where we will share all the ways individuals, youth, and groups can volunteer to support our work. | |
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