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N° 161 — August 23, 2023

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

Fall Field Trips

Registration is now open for fall self-guided field trips in the Washington Youth Garden. Prior to your visit, our staff can help you organize simple activities to guide your group's experience. Staff will also lead an orientation at the start of your visit. You also have access to our picnic area to organize your own snack or lunch during your visit.


Self-guided experiences are free and open to all schools, but space is limited and reservations are required. Trips start the week of September 13th and run through November 8th on Wednesdays and Fridays, with morning and afternoon trip slots.


Register for Self-Guided Field Trips >

Best of DC

According to voters across DC, the National Arboretum, Washington Youth Garden, and National Bonsai & Penjing Museum are considered some of the top attractions and places to visit in the city!


In this year's Best of DC contest, the National Arboretum won first place for Best City Escape in the City, and second place for Best Date Activity, Best Place to Go for a Walk, and Best Place to Meditate. The Washington Youth Garden won second place for Best Kid-Friendly Attraction. The National Bonsai & Penjing Museum won first place for Best Place to Meditate and Best Place to Take an Out of Towner.


Thank you to all who voted this year! This contest helps people all across the city discover the Arboretum and all it has to offer.


See Who Was Voted Best of DC >

Plant Spotlight

With pale pink flowers and dark brown bark, Arboretum introduction Crapemyrtle ‘Biloxi’ (Lagerstroemia ‘Biloxi’) sports an impressive color contrast. This small tree does well in urban settings, tolerating drought and small spaces. It is hardy to much of the southern United States and is resistant to powdery mildew as well. There are two on the grounds of the National Arboretum, one planted in a courtyard at the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, and one in the Gotelli Conifer Collection.


Kamala Codrington-White, an ORISE fellow at the National Arboretum, shares plants of note at the Arboretum in this new recurring segment. Find these plants on your next trip to the Arboretum this summer (Photo by U.S. National Arboretum).

Photos by National Links Trust

From Our Friends: National Links Trust

Hone your golf skills next door to the National Arboretum and learn more about Washington, DC’s golf courses through a free Friday on the Green event at Langston Golf Course on Friday, September 8th from 5 PM to 7 PM. This event is hosted by National Links Trust, and is part of a free, community-focused, family event series designed to welcome both golfers and non-golfers of all ages. It will feature free beginner instruction, driving range balls, and snacks and beverages from the Elder’s Eats food truck. This event is great for both children and adults, so get outside with the whole family. Registration is not required to attend.


See Event Description >

National Links Trust is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to positively impacting local communities through municipal golf. They are currently working to rehabilitate Washington, DC’s three public golf facilities — Rock Creek Park Golf, Langston Golf Course, and East Potomac Golf Links. The Friday on the Green program is part of their mission to make these facilities more accessible and inclusive.


Learn More about National Links Trust >

Photo by National Links Trust

From our Friends: Herb Society of America

Join the Herb Society of America Potomac Unit on Saturday, September 9th at the Arboretum for a free presentation about rose conservation. Connie Hilker, owner of Hartwood Roses in Fredericksburg, VA, will speak about preserving heirloom rose varieties. This event will take place from 11 AM to noon and is free for all to attend. Refreshments will be provided — please RSVP by September 7th so the Potomac Unit can provide enough food.


Email Kim at the Potomac Unit to RSVP >

DC State Fair

Compete in this year's DC State Fair, which will be held on Sunday, September 10th at Franklin Park. This free annual event celebrates the District's homegrown agricultural, artistic, and culinary talents.


This year's contests include everything from best apple pie to funkiest looking vegetable. Contests are free to participate in, but the registration deadline is Thursday, August 31st.


See Contest Rules and Register for the Fair >

Photo by DC State Fair

Upcoming Events

Full Moon Forest Bathing

August 31, 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Guided meditation in the meadow

Add Name to Waitlist >


Full Moon Hike

August 31, 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Moonlit hike through gardens & collections

Add Name to Waitlist >


Fall into School Gardening

September 9, 11 AM - 12 PM

Free resources for educators, in WYG

Registration >


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!

Garlic Planting Party & Poetry Slam

October 28, 11 AM - 2 PM

Fall planting, crafts, and youth poetry competition in Washington Youth Garden

Details Coming Soon!


Fall 5K

November 12, 9 AM

Run or walk through stunning fall foliage

Details Coming Soon!


Volunteer in Washington Youth Garden

Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays

Opportunities for individuals, groups, & teens

Details & Registration >


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 >

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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