Friends of the National Arboretum

Washington, DC, United States of America

Friends of the National Arboretum (FONA) is the primary private partner of the U.S. National Arboretum, a 451-acre public green space and horticulture research facility in Northeast DC. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit partner, we collaborate with the National Arboretum in pursuit of a stronger Arboretum to better serve our community and nation. FONA is a member-driven organization that also invites visitors to form deep and mindful relationships with nature through education programs and visitor programs. Friends of the National Arboretum connects people with nature through education and visitor programs at the U.S. National Arboretum. FONA’s youth education programs are located in Washington Youth Garden, a one-acre demonstration garden on the grounds of the Arboretum, and in partner schools across DC. In an average year, our youth education programs provide over 7,000 primarily low-income youth with hands-on, experiential, outdoor education programs that connect them to healthy food and the environment. FONA’s visitor programs, such as the Garden Fair & Plant Sale, forest bathing, 5K races, and more, provide unique ways for visitors to connect more healthfully and mindfully in an urban greenspace.