Arboretum Staying Open Late, Next Three Fridays

The U.S. National Arboretum, located just a mile up Bladensburg from our neighborhood, is no doubt one of the best secrets this great city has. When I moved to D.C. more than five years ago, I discovered by chance this vast piece of land filled with exotic plants and fragrant flowers, laced with winding trails and beautiful ponds.

I have been going back there ever since. Though many Washingtonians think of Rock Creek Park first when they think of natural places in the city, it is the Arboretum that offers the bio-diversities, the quiet atmosphere and the easy access that I look for.

The only problem is that the hours of operation are more restricted at the Arboretum.

I often see the disappointment written all over visitors' faces when security guards have to chase them off just before the regular 5 p.m. closing time. I also notice the regret felt by staff members such as Mary Ann Jarvis, program coordinator at the National Arboretum.

"It is summertime now. It would be nice if they could linger a little longer to enjoy the gardens and the walks," said Ms. Jarvis, who has been working at the Arboretum since she was 17, some 37 years ago.

Now the visitors can — at least on Fridays, and at least through mid-August.

For the first time ever, the National Arboretum has started an experimental schedule of operation this summer. Through Aug. 15, the Arboretum will be open until 7:30 p.m. every Friday — thanks to additional funding that is available this year, according to Thomas S. Elias, director of the National Arboretum.

Explaining why the Arboretum has chosen to extend the hours on Fridays, Mr. Elias said the extended operation would allow commuters to spend a couple of pleasant hours enjoying nature here, rather than fighting the Friday afternoon traffic. "It is a good way to reduce stress accumulated at work," he said.

Depending on the funding situation, the Arboretum may run the extended hours again next year, and may consider extending operation hours on Saturday rather than on Friday, according to the officials here. A key determining factor is how visitors respond to the extended hours.

Mr. Elias said many people don't know about the new hours on Friday, partly because the Arboretum by law cannot advertise the change in a conventional and commercial way. He urges people to come out in the cooler time of the day, enjoying the daylilies at the Perennial Collection, the 900 kinds of herbs at the National Herb Garden and the dwarf pines at the Gotelli Collection. "You are also more likely to spot foxes and whitetail deer in the after-5 p.m. hours," said Mr. Elias, a botanist by profession.

"It is an urban oasis," added Ms. Jarvis, the program coordinator. "You've also got the great lighting for photography."

The R Street entrance gate off Bladensburg Road is open for the extended hours at the Arboretum. Admission and parking are free. Metrobus line B2 heads north on 15th Street, up Bladensburg Road Road, stopping at R Street, just two blocks from the entrance gate. On weekends, Metrobus line X6 goes up Maryland Avenue and then Bladensburg Road, directly into the Arboretum.

For more information on the National Arboretum, call 245-4523 or visit http://www.usna.usda.gov. §