We are so excited to share this special day with you in such a stunning public place. Before you purchase anything for us, we encourage you to use that money to help keep this amazing treasure in our nations capital healthy and beautiful. Friends of the National Arboretum (FONA) was founded in 1982 as an independent 501(c)(3). FONA serves as the primary private partner of the U.S National Arboretum in Washington, D.C. They preserve and enhance this vibrant public space and facilitate experiential programs that instill a love of plants, nature, and the outdoors in all who visit the Arboretum. They also promote the overarching research and education mission of the Arboretum.