Friends of the National Arboretum

Washington Youth Garden: The Washington Youth Garden serves as the hub for FONA's youth and school outreach programs, targeting Title 1 schools in Wards 5, 7, and 8 of Washington, DC. The mission of our youth programs is to nurture curious minds and healthy bodies by connecting youth to food, the land, and each other. The WYG uniquely combines efficient food production, produce distribution, a welcoming visitor experience focused on children, youth education programs, teacher professional development, and support for school gardens at Title 1 schools. We intentionally orient our education programs and produce distribution to Black, low-income children and youth because of the documented disparities in access to and consumption of fruits and vegetables in the DC region, the location of the garden, and the historic purpose for the space. Over 156 different crops are grown at the WYG. In 2022, we grew and distributed 7,500 pounds of produce to school families and hunger relief organizations.

Projects and activities: FONA holds numerous temporary and permanently restricted funds given for various purposes to benefit the U.S. National Arboretum. Every year, in consultation with the Arboretum leadership and staff, FONA releases funds from these restricted assets or general operating funds to the Arboretum to achieve a designated purpose. FONA then works with the Arboretum staff, often over a multi-year period, to ensure that the donor's objective for each project or activity is fulfilled in a timely and cost-effective manner.See Schedule O for Continuation

Membership and outreach: FONA runs an active outreach program designed to broaden and expand the visibility of, and to provide public support for, the Arboretum locally, nationally, and internationally, as well as to increase the Arboretum's visitor base. For example, FONA hosts numerous public programs such as forest bathing, yoga classes, family programs, and community events. FONA also partners with other Arboretum stakeholders, interest groups, and community organizations for the betterment of the ArboretumFONA staff and board members continually reach out to the media, government officials, community leaders, and industry associations, and maintain ongoing relationships with these and other key decision-makers and influential organizations and citizens. FONA also maintains an active public presence via its website and through social media such as Facebook and Instagram. In addition, FONA runs a membership program to recruit and serve 1,000+ members and supporters each year with member events and activities, volunteer opportunities, a quarterly printed newsletter and weekly enewsletter with updates on Arboretum News, and other member benefits.

Annual Garden Fair and plant sale event: The Garden Fair is held in early spring and typically attracts 10,000 people to the grounds of the Arboretum. Traditionally, the National Arboretum curators serve as plant experts providing advice for novice as well as experienced gardeners.