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N° 156 — June 28, 2023

Enjoy regular updates and insights from FONA, the U.S. National Arboretum, and our award-winning Washington Youth Garden.

The ice cream food truck Custard & Cones will be at the National Arboretum this Saturday, July 1st from noon to 4 PM, not next Saturday, July 8th. We apologize for any confusion, but hope you have a good holiday weekend.

Spring in the Youth Garden

The Washington Youth Garden hosts many of FONA’s programs throughout the year, grows fruits and vegetables to share with the community, and illustrates how to garden in a small space. This one-acre garden is located on the grounds of the U.S. National Arboretum. Our team has already harvested over 2,900 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables from it and donated it to the local community. Most of this produce was shared with partner schools through our School Garden Support Program produce distributions, as well as through donations to DC Central Kitchen and the Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid Network.

While growing food is an important aspect of WYG, it is not the only goal for the Garden Team. Emilia Kawashima, Garden Manager, found it an exciting challenge this spring to balance all the different programs happening simultaneously in the garden while also welcoming local and out-of-town Arboretum visitors into the space.


But with the right balance, magic happens! Emilia loved sharing joyful experiences at the garden with students on field trips, garden volunteers, educators doing professional development, and Arboretum visitors. One particularly special moment for her was watching a bald eagle fly right over a group of volunteers one spring morning on its way back to its nest. Xavier, our other Garden Manager, enjoyed seeing these different groups of people try vegetables straight from the garden. The snap peas were a big hit this spring — an especially high yield meant everyone got to try some!

Kevin Conrad, Arboretum Lead Horticulturist, sharing about the Arboretum's flowering cherry rees.

Research in Action

The National Arboretum's work goes far beyond maintaining public gardens and collections. The Arboretum is a horticulture research facility that develops new plants and technology to support the American nursery industry and help it adapt to climate change, pests, and diseases. The Arboretum also preserves plant genetic material in both living and preserved collections to help the nursery industry adapt in years to come.


Dr. Richard T. Olsen, Director of the National Arboretum, and Kevin Conrad, Arboretum Lead Horticulturist, recently spoke with Voice of America about the Arboretum's work and mission.


Watch the Video >

Vote for Best of DC

Vote before it's too late! Vote for the National Arboretum and FONA in this year's Best of DC and help more people discover the Arboretum. Don't delay — voting closes on July 10th at 5 PM.

 

Please vote for the following four categories:


Food Truck Weekend

Need a cold snack to help you cool off during your visit to the Arboretum this weekend? We have you covered! Custard & Cones will be set up near Arbor House from noon to 4 PM on Saturday, July 1st.


We are hoping to host more food truck weekends in July — follow us on Instagram and Facebook to the most up-to-date schedule.

Dinner Under the Stars

Join us Tuesday, September 19th from 5:30 PM to 9 PM for our 27th annual Dinner Under the Stars. Enjoy cocktails in the National Arboretum's Ellipse Meadow and a tented dinner in view of the Capitol Columns.


Spend a fall evening with friends, colleagues, business leaders, and government representatives as you support FONA through this annual fundraiser. Sponsor a table or purchase individual tickets.


Email Cathy to Reserve Your Spot >

Photo by Plume Photography

Explore the Arboretum

Spend a day exploring the Arboretum's summer splendor and immerse yourself in nature without having to leave the city limits. Check out our suggestions for three short hikes in the Arboretum that take you to some of our favorite places to visit during the summer. Please note that part of Tour 1 is not available due to the temporary closure of the Boxwood Collection.


Explore the Self-Guided Tours >

Upcoming Events

Poetry Slam in the Garden

August 5, 6:30 PM - 9 PM

Youth poetry competition

Details & Registration Coming Soon


Dinner Under the Stars

September 19, 5:30 PM - 9 PM

Cocktails & tented dinner in the Meadow

Purchase a Ticket or Table >


Fall Festival

September 30

Bulb sale, local vendors, family activities

Details Coming Soon!


Forest Bathing Walks

Various dates and times

Meditation and mindfulness

Upcoming Dates & Registration >


Yoga in the Grove

Saturdays at 10 AM

Find your flow with Bluebird Sky Yoga

Registration >

We are taking next week off from FONA Field Notes. Happy Independence Day, we'll see you on July 12th!

The Arboretum is open every day from 8 AM to 5 PM except December 25th.

Check Our Website for Full Details >

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Friends of the National Arboretum
3501 New York Ave NE
Washington, DC 20002
202.544.8733
FONA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization with the mission to preserve and enhance a vibrant public space and support experiential programming that instills a love of plants, nature and the outdoors in all who visit, while promoting the overarching research and education mission of the U.S. National Arboretum.

Since its inception, FONA has helped support the Washington Youth Garden, Capitol Columns, Flowering Tree Walk, horticultural and research internships, restoration of Springhouse Run, and much more.

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