Mission and Goals

Using the garden cycle as a tool, the mission of the Washington Youth Garden at the U.S. National Arboretum (WYG) is to inspire children and families to engage in self-discovery, explore relationships with food and the natural world, and contribute to the health and well-being of their communities.

The primary goals of our programs are to: a) educate youth and families about the relationship between food, its origins, nutrition, and health; b) connect children (and adults) to the natural world as a place of wonder, exploration and resource for their personal growth; c) develop interpersonal skills, awareness of civic responsibility, and land stewardship; and d) expand interest and public awareness of urban gardening and gardening with children.

The Washington Youth Garden is a project of the Friends of the National Arboretum with support from the National Capital Area Federation of Garden Clubs, Slow Food D.C., and the U.S. National Arboretum. 

History

WYG at the U.S. National Arboretum (USNA) is one of three local youth gardens founded in 1971 by the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation in conjunction with the Washington Youth Garden Council. Their goal was to teach elementary school students in D.C. horticultural skills and life skills such as team building, cooperation, personal responsibility, self-confidence and environmental stewardship. Today, WYG has expanded its environmental education focus to include nutrition and to promote healthy lifestyles through gardening. Due to D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation budget cuts in 1995, the Friends of the National Arboretum (FONA) increased fundraising efforts and “adopted” the WYG in 1996. In addition to FONA’s assistance, WYG receives in-kind support from USNA including land, soil amendments, office and greenhouse space, equipment use and horticultural expertise. WYG at USNA continues to work with its original partners, the Lederer Youth Garden on Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave., N.E. and Twin Oaks Youth Garden at 14th and Taylor, N.W., to explore curriculum ideas, discuss garden practices and share in-kind services including greenhouse space, plant material and programming supplies. These two gardens continue to receive funds from the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information about the Lederer and Twin Oaks youth gardens, contact Jerry Smith at 202.727.8061.

Staff Contact Information

Kaifa Anderson-Hall, Program Director
kanderson-hall@washingtonyouthgarden.org

Christopher Turse, Garden Coordinator
cturse@washingtonyouthgarden.org

Kacie Warner, Education Coordinator
kwarner@washingtonyouthgarden.org

General inquiries can be sent to washingtonyouthgarden@gmail.com 

Visit our blog, http://washingtonyouthgarden.blogspot.com, to learn more about our programs and view photos of participants and produce!