Washington Youth Garden

FONA is doing what we can to support the National Arboretum, our program partners, and our community while the Arboretum remains closed due to the lapse in federal funding.

Our SPROUT field trip program pivoted to bring field trips into classrooms, rather than bringing classes into the Washington Youth Garden at the Arboretum. Since our Educator Coaching Program works within D.C. partner schools, rather than at the Arboretum, this work has continued without interruption. FONA staff are supporting the many events happening right now across the five partner schools.

We want to share our immense gratitude for our federal Arboretum colleagues. Many of them are currently furloughed during the shutdown. A very limited number of Arboretum staff are allowed on the grounds to water critical collections, including specimens in the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum. Today and every day, FONA is grateful for the Arboretum staff's service in making the National Arboretum a world-class center for horticultural research, education, and innovation.

📸 #1 Capitol columns, by Josh Peterson
📸 #2 FONA food tasting event at a partner school
📸 #3 Arboretum staff at the 2025 Dinner Under the Stars, by Josh Peterson

Get outside and move your body in the Washington Youth Garden during our Family Workshop this Saturday, September 20th at 11 AM! Explore the garden as we walk you through some movement activities and playful games. All ages are welcome to join! Please register to let us know you're coming: https://forms.gle/d3FMoGba3RzoatDt5

Friends of the National Arboretum

Come move and groove in the Washington Youth Garden during our upcoming Family Workshop this Saturday, August 23rd at 11 AM. Explore the garden as we walk you through some movement activities and playful games. All ages are welcome to join! Click here to register: https://forms.gle/noLdn15u5ju1gDsk6

Calling all families! Join us next Saturday, June 21st for a free family workshop in celebration of Juneteenth! We'll be preparing a tasty harvest-to-table dish with fruits and veggies picked from the Washington Youth Garden. Come out to the garden from 11 AM to 12:30 PM for this special activity. Registration is required — click here to sign up: https://forms.gle/v61txHfcLzc3yraq9

Something BIG is happening this summer at the U.S. National Arboretum! We're excited to share the news next Wednesday, May 28th. Any guesses what it could be?? Add your guess in a comment below!

Spring extended evening hours at the Arboretum begin tomorrow! The National Arboretum will stay open to the public until 8 PM on the following Fridays: May 9th, May 30th, June 20th. This is free for all to enjoy, and is made possible by FONA, the National Park Service, and the Capitol Hill Community Foundation.

Stay tuned — our summer extended evening hour dates are coming soon!

Families, join us for a container gardening workshop on Saturday, May 10th and learn how to container garden! Together, we'll learn step-by-step how to grow fresh herbs or veggies in pots, right in your home. Come out to the Washington Youth Garden from 1 PM to 3:30 PM and have some fun! Click here to register: https://forms.gle/gQFrVzeDzKQi49bu9

Friends of the National Arboretum

Calling all families! Join us on a guided Nature Walk on Saturday, April 12th in the Washington Youth Garden. This is a free and enriching outdoor experience where you and your family can breathe, explore, and unwind together. Along the way, you'll learn fun, hands-on activities that you can take with you to explore on your own. Come out and have some fun!! Click here to register: https://bit.ly/42fgRUJ