Native Tree Farm and Research (NTFR) Urban Arboriculture Arborist Summer Camp introduces campers to the science, stewardship, and hands-on work of caring for urban environments. Students (ages 16-24) learn invasive pest control care and behavior observations while tackling DC region's invasive spotted lanternfly environments. Participants will explore DC's tree canopy with certified arborists, study tree biology, health and soil science, monitor, capture and assess lanternflies, collect specimens and record data, learn invasive pest control strategies that protect urban ecosystems, observe climbing demonstrations and learn pruning basics, and discover how trees support climate resilience. Participants develop practical arboriculture skills and explore careers in forestry, landscaping and conservation through real-world problem-solving. Dates: June 22 - Aug. 7

There's a lot happening beneath our feet! Rocks, minerals, soil, roots, bugs, microbes, fungi...and more! In this camp, kids will spend lots of time getting down and dirty as we investigate soil, compost, and the creatures who live there. We'll also use the Preserve's new Rock Garden to discover our regional geology. Each camper will come home with one very special specimen. Also offered July 28-30.