N° 158 — July 19, 2023
Enjoy regular updates and insights from FONA, the U.S. National Arboretum, and our award-winning Washington Youth Garden.
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The top photo shows an adult spotted lanternfly with its wings open (photo by Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture). The bottom image shows a late-stage spotted lanternfly nymph (photo by Richard Gardner via Bugwood.org). | |
Two invasive pests/diseases have recently moved into the DC area and are causing problems for trees and agricultural crops. Here's what you need to know about them to help monitor and mitigate their spread.
The spotted lanternfly is an invasive insect that feeds on the sap of a wide range of fruit, ornamental, and woody tree species. One way this impacts the host plant is by reducing available resources, causing the plant to die back and produce a lower quality and quantity of crops. The insect has spread widely by laying eggs on vehicles, agricultural equipment, and trailers, which are then transported over long distances.
To help stop the spread of spotted lanternfly in your community, first learn how to identify the insect and its life stages. When you see a sign of the insect, report it to your local State Department of Agriculture or Extension office (quick links for reporting in DC, Maryland, or Virginia). Finally, destroy the insect at all life stages.
Learn More About How to Stop the Spread of Spotted Lanternfly >
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The Arboretum has introduced over two dozen crape myrtle hybrids sporting a variety of sizes and colors, but even among these, ‘Apalachee’ stands out. Sporting glossy, dark green leaves, light purple-pink flowers, and peeling bark in a rich red-brown, it’s a striking plant in any season. It is mildew-resistant and quite versatile in the garden, as it can be used alone as a small tree or as part of a hedge or border. Its parent was wild-collected in Japan, and greatly broadens the gene pool of U.S. crape myrtle hybrids, making it an asset to the trade. Though originally released in 1986, ‘Apalachee’ had faded from the market and was recently re-introduced, so may still have limited availability.
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.
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Searching for DC's Largest Tree |
Casey Trees is looking for the largest tree in DC — and they need your help! If you have a large tree in your backyard, on your street, or even in your local park, you can submit it as a contestant for DC's Largest Tree by Friday, July 28th. You just need to include the diameter of the tree in your submission (see the form for instructions on how to take this measurement). The person who submits the largest tree will receive $100 gift certificate to the Casey Trees store, and the runner up will receive a $44 certificate.
Help Find DC's Largest Tree >
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Compete in the Poetry Slam |
Test your spoken word prowess and compete in our youth Poetry Slam in the Garden event on August 5th. This single-round competition is open to all youth between the ages of 13 and 18, and participants are encouraged to perform poems that follow the theme of Nature & Environmental/Food Justice. Cash prizes will be awarded to first, second, and third place winners.
Competitor Application Form >
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Anacostia River Connections |
A number of organizations throughout the Anacostia River watershed, including FONA, work to restore the river's ecosystem and improve water quality.
In a recent HillRag article, FONA board member Bill Matuszeski shares about the Anacostia Watershed Society's restoration work growing and releasing mussels into the river, and the impact it has on the ecosystem.
Read the Article >
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Photo by Bill Matuszeski via HillRag | |
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Find your flow this summer and fall with Yoga in the Grove! Instructors from Bluebird Sky Yoga will help you flow through movements like wind in the trees around you at the Arboretum.
Classes take place every Saturday at 10 AM through mid-October. All levels are welcome. Drop-in classes are $26 (FONA members use your discount code to receive 20% off).
Sign Up for an Outdoor Yoga Class >
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Poetry Slam in the Garden
August 5, 6:30 PM - 9 PM
Youth poetry competition
Details & 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!
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 >
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