APHIS and The University of North Carolina at Pembroke Host 2026 Safeguarding Natural Heritage Summer Youth Camp
From July 6–17, 2026, APHIS’ Office of National Tribal Liaison (ONTL), in partnership with The University of North Carolina at Pembroke, hosted the 2026 Safeguarding Natural Heritage (SNH) Youth Camp in Pembroke, NC.
This year’s SNH camp included 11 students (ages 14–17) and 3 college interns. Partnering with Tribal Colleges and Universities and Native American-Serving Institutions 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 with the Department of Animal Science and College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences and explored local agricultural operations during the two week program including site visits to New Ground Farm, Lowry’s Fishing Farm, Lumbee River Ecological Sites and attended presentations from multiple APHIS programs, including Animal Care, Veterinary Services, Wildlife Services, and Plant Protection and Quarantine. 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.
