Our Garden Team recently added a new pebble harp to the Nature Explore Classroom (NEC) to complement the other musical instruments in the space. Pebbles dropped into the harp's slots cascade over metal strings to create music.

The NEC is found just outside the western gate of the Washington Youth Garden. It offers many ways for children and families to engage with nature during any season of the year. There is a sandbox, reading nook, stage, musical instruments, and more. Funding for the supplies in the Nature Explore Classroom was provided by International Paper Foundation.

The National Arboretum is exhibiting at the Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show (MANTS) in Baltimore, MD this week. This is one of the largest trade shows in the country for the American nursery industry. It provides a great opportunity for the National Arboretum to showcase its research and connect with other industry leaders.

The Arboretum's booth will feature information on the new ×Chitalpa tashkentensis ‘Strawberry Moon’ introduction and the Arboretum's genetic conservation work, particularly around the endangered Magnolia ashei. The booth will also showcase Dr. Jake Shreckhise's research at the McMinnville, TN facility that determines best practices for nursery-grown woody plants.

If you are attending MANTS this week, make sure to visit the Arboretum's booth to learn more about these and other research projects.

More About MANTS >

Many of our local environmental partners along the Anacostia River corridor are still looking for volunteers for the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. Get outdoors and volunteer your time in support of conservation in the Chesapeake Bay watershed:

Don't miss your chance to become a National Arboretum intern! The Arboretum is accepting applications until January 15th for 2024 horticulture, research, and archive internship positions.

These internships range in length from three months to one year. They offer hands-on work experience and training in horticulture, botany, plant research, or archival duties. A number of these internships are funded by FONA.

Horticulture Internship Details >

Research Internship Details >

Archives Internship Details >

Federal employees and retirees can support FONA through the Combined Federal Campaign. Federal civilian, postal, and military workers have until January 15th to pledge their support for the campaign. FONA's CFC number is 81610.

Support FONA through the CFC >

Native Plant Sale

Saturday, March 23

Local native plant vendors

Save the date — details to come

37th Annual Lahr Native Plant Symposium

Saturday, March 23

Native plant symposium hosted by the National Arboretum

Save the date — details to come

Spring into School Gardening

Saturday, March 23

Free resources for educators, in WYG

Save the date — details to come

Flowering 5K

Sunday, March 24

Run or walk through collections in bloom

(Members use your discount code)

Details & Registration >

Garden Fair & Plant Sale

Saturday, April 27

Plants, vendors, and activities

Save the date — details to come