Support from FONA members and donors is essential to our work. Their contributions enable FONA to provide direct funding, advocacy, and communications for the National Arboretum. They also empower us to host events and programs that connect thousands of people to plants, health, and well-being at the Arboretum and throughout DC. Thank you to all our members — we couldn't do this without you!

Become a member or renew your membership today to support our work. After another successful year at FONA, we are excited for what 2024 will bring. FONA members not only invest in the National Arboretum, but also receive benefits throughout the year.

Join or Renew Your FONA Membership >

In addition to becoming a member, there are many ways to support FONA financially. We welcome gifts of checks, credit card donations, stock and securities, IRA distributions, Donor-Advised Funds, planned legacy gifts, and more.

Check to see if your company offers a corporate matching program. Federal employees and retirees can contribute directly through the Combined Federal Campaign (#81610).

See All the Ways to Support FONA >

Scientists at the National Arboretum are using cutting-edge genomics, breeding strategies, and artificial intelligence to fight boxwood blight. Plant geneticist and breeder Dr. Fred Gouker conducts this research at the Arboretum's Floral and Nursery Plants Research Unit in Beltsville, MD.

Join Dr. Gouker on Tuesday, December 19th from 1 PM to 2 PM for AmericanHort's free webinar about this program. Dr. Gouker will share about the latest developments in boxwood genomics and breeding strategies, and how artificial intelligence is enhancing the detection and protection of boxwood. This webinar is free and open to all to attend.

Register for the Webinar >

Registration for FONA's Flowering 5K on Sunday, March 24th is now open! Run or walk past garden collections and soak in spring at the Arboretum. Enjoy cherry blossoms, magnolias, and so much more!

All roads are closed to cars during this race so you can safely enjoy the Arboretum's 451 acres of green space. This new spring race will take the place of our Summer 5K so participants can enjoy cooler racing temperatures.

Register now for $40 to lock in early bird prices before they increase on January 21st at 11:59 PM (FONA members, email us for the discount code). Race t-shirts are guaranteed with Early Bird and Regular Registration.

Sign up for the Flowering 5K >

Gray November days are considerably brightened by the common witch-hazel’s fringe of sunny yellow flowers. Witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is native to the eastern United States and Canada, and provides food and shelter to a variety of fauna. Its large dark green leaves turn yellow in autumn and fall to make way for tassel-like yellow flowers. Different characteristics between cultivars provide options for the gardener, including smaller plants, variegation, or red blooms. Witch-hazels are prone to producing galls on the leaves or flower buds due to aphid activity, but some cultivars or hybrids are more resistant than others. You can find many species and hybrids in Fern Valley and the Hamamelis 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 fall. Photo by the U.S. National Arboretum.

FONA is honored to receive four top ratings this year from Charity Navigator, Spur Local, Great Nonprofits, and Candid. These organizations evaluate nonprofits based on a wide range of standards, including accountability, finance, impact, results, leadership, adaptability, culture, and community.

FONA is committed to being transparent with our supporters so we can continue making meaningful change in our community together. Click on each badge to learn more.

Thank you to all who decorated our Christmas tree at the Winter Festival! We enjoyed seeing the tree full of peoples' favorite Arboretum memories and what they love about the Arboretum.

Some common themes included:

• Loving the peace and tranquility of the Arboretum
• Being active by hiking, biking, or walking dogs
• Experiencing wildlife like eagles, frogs in the Azalea Collections pond, and even goats that occasionally help clear invasive species on the grounds
• Remembering past celebrations, programs, and events on the grounds
• Discovering new flowers, trees, and other plants

The National Arboretum means something different to everyone who visits, but it holds a special place in all of our hearts.

Forest Bathing Walk

Sunday, December 31, various times

Meditation and mindfulness

Sign Up for the Waitlist >

Native Plant Sale

Saturday, March 23, 2024

Local native plant vendors

Save the date — details to come

Spring into School Gardening

Saturday, March 23, 2024

Free resources for educators, in WYG

Save the date — details to come

Flowering 5K

Sunday, March 24, 2023

Run or walk through collections in bloom

Details & Registration >

Garden Fair & Plant Sale

Saturday, April 27, 2024

Plants, vendors, and activities

Save the date — details to come