APHIS and Diné College Host 2026 Safeguarding Natural Heritage Summer Youth Camp

On June 15, 2026, APHIS’ Office of National Tribal Liaison (ONTL) welcomed participants to the 2026 Safeguarding Natural Heritage (SNH) Youth Camp at Diné College in Tsaile, AZ. This year’s SNH camp included 20 students (ages 14–17) and 5 college interns from the Navajo Nation. Partnering with Tribal colleges and universities advances APHIS’ mission by strengthening local capacity to protect agricultural health and natural resources across Tribal lands.

The youth camp introduced students to APHIS’ core mission areas and field program operations, highlighting potential career paths in agricultural sciences, natural resources, plant and animal health, and wildlife damage management. Students learned how APHIS and Tribal Nation work together to safeguard agriculture and natural resources from pest, diseases, and wildlife-related damage. 

Students engaged in hands-on activities including animal handling and soil seed starts, explored local agricultural operations during site visits to Deer Hill & Mountain Roots Farms, and attended presentations from multiple APHIS programs, including Animal Care, Veterinary Services, Wildlife Services, Plant Protection and Quarantine, and Biotechnology Regulatory Services. The camp concluded with student presentations outlining their perspectives on “Safeguarding Our Natural Heritage.”

To learn more about our summer camps and other student programs, visit Opportunities for Native Youth.