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N° 158 — July 19, 2023

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

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).

Tree Watch

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 >

Beech leaf disease (BLD) attacks the buds and leaves of beech trees, leading to defoliation and declining tree health. Scientists have determined that a foliar nematode is the culprit of BLD, but have not yet discovered how it has spread so quickly throughout forests.


BLD was first detected in Ohio in 2012, and has since spread throughout the Northeast and Mid Atlantic regions. The first time it was detected in Virginia was 2021, but it has not yet been found in Maryland or DC. Beeches make up a significant part of the forest canopy in the DC region, and scientists are closely monitoring how the disease is spreading through the area now that it has arrived in Virginia.


You can help scientists track the spread of BLD by reporting signs and symptoms of the disease in your area.


Learn More & How to Report BLD >

The top photo shows leaves impacted by beech leaf disease, while the bottom photo shows healthy beech leaves. Photo by Kristin Vinduska, NPS Photos.

Plant Spotlight

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.

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 >

Photo by Casey Trees

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 >

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 >

Photo by Bill Matuszeski via HillRag

Photo by Bluebird Sky Yoga

Yoga in the Grove

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 >

Upcoming Events

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 >

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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