About the Friends of the U.S. Botanic Garden

Our History

The Friends of the U.S. Botanic Garden, formerly known as the National Fund for the U.S. Botanic Garden, was established in 1991 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit to fund and build the National Garden. Designed as a living laboratory, the 3-acre National Garden educates visitors about the diversity of American plants and their importance to the environment. It was the first public-private project undertaken by the Office of the Architect of the Capital and raised $11.5 million. After the National Garden opened in 2006, the Friends of the U.S. Botanic Garden adopted the new mission of supporting education at the U.S. Botanic Garden.

Our Mission

In partnership with the U.S. Botanic Garden, we promote and inspire active botanical and environmental stewardship through educational programs that highlight the importance of plants to humankind.

We support educational outreach initiatives at the U.S. Botanic Garden -- extraordinary programs and exhibits that delight, educate, and inspire our visitors. The Friends of the U.S. Botanic Garden help coordinate over 200 public programs each year at the Gardens, reaching thousands of participants.

Additionally, the Friends of the U.S. Botanic Garden supports:

• Hands On Plant Science (HOPS)

• HOPS Teacher Institute

• D.C. Teachers Night 

• U.S. Botanic Garden volunteer program

• High School and College Internships

• Program and tour registration

The Friends of the U.S. Botanic Garden is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization based in Washington, DC.