About us

Friends of Nairobi Arboretum

Friends of Nairobi Arboretum (FONA) was founded in 1993 under the umbrella of Nature Kenya (East Africa Natural History Society) by a group of individuals, headed by the late Mrs Ann Birnie, who were concerned about the decline of the Arboretum during the 1970s and 80s due to neglect and lack of government funding. Since its establishment, FONA has been working alongside Kenya Forest Service to maintain the Arboretum for recreation, education, and scientific knowledge. FONA’s mission includes raising awareness about Nairobi Arboretum and promoting environmental education and plant conservation

Objectives and Achievement

Objectives:

  • Tree labelling
  • Networking with NGOs and International Botanic gardens
  • Educational programmes for teachers and students
  • Guided tree walks
  • Fund-raising
  • Seek partnerships for  implementation of the Management Plan

 Achievements:

  • In 2007 FONA celebrated the centenary of the Arboretum
  • Has had partnerships to further the implementation of the Masterplan
  • Tree walks held on the second Saturday and last Monday of each month, when splendid trees from all over Kenya and around the world are studied in detail
  • Publishing of a newsletter Tree News and tree lists, bird lists and tree walk trails
  • Organised several events in the past like Wind in the Trees event, (a day of music in the arboretum), solar energy day
  • Providing local and overseas training in garden management for selected forest staff
  • Organises compost making courses for gardeners
  • Organised tree knowledge for guides
  • Provides public amenities in the Arboretum such as a shelter banda, benches, seats, picnic tables,  and litter collection bins.
  • Has improved to Arboretum office, notice boards, path signs and tree labels
  • Fund raises for improvement and maintenance of the Arboretum
  • Employment of a full-time Education Officer to help implement the plans
  • Organises a educational program for schools
  • Participation in Botanical Garden Conservation International (BGCI) conservation congress

FONA is working with KFS to:

  • Beautify and enhance the arboretum, making it a pleasant and informative place for tourists and local visitors
  • Improvement of paths and signboards
  • Expansions of educational centre