National Arboretum Annual Cookout

The Capitol’s original columns are a signature feature of the US National Arboretum. Photograph by Carol Ross Joynt.

Before the barbecue dinner, a National Arboretum guest takes advantage of the tent and one of the many fans posted throughout. Photograph by Carol Ross Joynt.

Every year the annual Friends of the National Arboretum dinner honors a state. This year it was Missouri and the buffet had Kansas City-style brisket, chicken-fried steak, and Missouri corn soufflé. Photograph by Carol Ross Joynt.

Missouri Senator Roy Blunt says hello to National Arboretum board member Tuckie Westfall. In the foreground is Frisky Hickey. Photograph by Carol Ross Joynt.

Barbara Wells and her husband, DC City Council member Tommy Wells. Photograph by Carol Ross Joynt.

Brian and Yvonne Folkerts of Alexandria, Virginia. Photograph by Carol Ross Joynt.

Board Chairman Barbara Shea welcomed guests to the National Arboretum annual cookout and introduced the evening’s honoree, botanist Peter H. Raven. Photograph by Carol Ross Joynt.

Guests relax and listen as Peter H. Raven gives his acceptance speech after receiving the National Arboretum’s Excellence Award.
Photograph by Carol Ross Joynt.