Great Arboretum Cookout Honors Washington State

On June 16, Honors Washington State Friends of the National Arboretum (FONA) held their annual cookout under a tent in the Capitol Columns Meadow. This informal evening brings together a mix of Arboretum supporters, the business community and government as well as members of the Honored State’s delegation. FONA is a nonprofit organization that funds projects to increase the public’s awareness and enjoyment of the gardens and collections, advance vital scientific research and promote educational and public services. A key outreach program is the Washington Youth Garden where children and their families learn about the environment and nutrition as they grow vegetables and fruit in garden plots on the Arboretum grounds. A campaign is currently underway to ensure the survival of the spectacular azalea and boxwood collections which are jeopardized by reduced funding.