CAUSES In Action |April 2025 Edition | | |
Transformative News in Agriculture and Sustainability | | | |
Earth Fest | April 22, 2025 | A Celebration of Earth Day and Arbor Day at ECUF
Join us at East Capitol Urban Farm for a family-friendly event. The CAUSES team highlights this year's worldwide theme, " Our Power, Our Planet," and the importance of harnessing our collective efforts to support the environment and promote sustainability. This year's hands-on activities, guest speakers, farmers market vendors, water testing, and more will take place from 1 PM - 3 PM at 5901 E. Capitol St. SE, Washington, D.C.
Our keynote speaker, Ronnie Webb, President and Founder of the Greene Scheme, a nonprofit organization will deliver informative news on agriculture and sustainability focused on organization, education, and empowerment for our urban communities and the environment. To register for this event, click here.
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UDC-CAUSES Expands Its Innovative Programs
Transform your future with our hybrid bachelor’s degree in Community Health Sciences. This innovative program combines flexible online learning with hands-on experiences powered by immersive technology.
The 15-month M.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics program is multidisciplinary and uses competency-based assessment to prepare work-ready registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs). The courses and supervised experiential learning activities (practice) are modern and innovative and are designed to meet the challenges of a dynamic and evolving field. Got questions? Email the College at causes@udc.edu or call 202-274-7124.
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Breaking News: UDC Now has Four Farmers Markets in Washington, D.C.
UDC is diligently fighting food injustice, one market at a time. Our farmers markets in Wards 3, 5, 7, and 8 feature several local farmers and small businesses delivering memorable food and cultural experiences worldwide. Each location uniquely offers something for the entire family to enjoy. Fresh produce, world cuisine, art, live performances, horseback riding, certified farmer demonstrations, and educational field days are just a few of the fantastic experiences available at the markets. Check in with Andy Blunk to see the upcoming weekend agenda at andrew.blunk@udc.edu . Activities vary per location.
Farmers Market Locations:
Lamond Riggs
Location: 5171 South Dakota Ave NE
Days/Hours of Operation: Market springs into action on April 5th from 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. Seasonal markets operating in spring, summer, and fall on alternating weekends. Specific hours will be announced based on seasonal adjustments and weather conditions.
PR Harris
Location: 4600 Livingston Rd. SE
Days/Hours of Operation: Seasonal markets operating in spring, summer, and fall on alternating weekends. Specific hours will be announced based on seasonal adjustments and weather conditions.
Van Ness
Location: 4200 Connecticut Ave NW (in front of the Student Center building).
Days/Hours of Operation: Market springs into action on April 19th and will continue through December 6th. The market will be open 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturdays.
East Capitol Urban Farm
Location: 5929 E Capitol St SE
Days/Hours of Operation: Market is open year-round, every other Saturday, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. (weather dependent). The market opened on April 12th.
*Interested in becoming a vendor or performing at one of our markets, contact Andrew.Blunk@udc.edu.
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Research Week: Innovation, Scholarship, and Community Impact!
For the fifth year, the University demonstrated the breadth of faculty and student discovery as well as UDC’s strategic vision of being a research and innovation hub addressing the District’s critical needs.
“UDC Research Week 2025 allows us to celebrate our success as the research laboratory for the D.C. government,” says Vice President of Research Dr. Victor McCrary. “And to showcase for the broader community that research isn’t just what we do—it’s who we are.” Click on the video to learn about some of our students' and staff members' research projects.
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The UDC-CAUSES summer camps help students enjoy their summer while learning about sustainable urban living. Parents can feel confident that their children will be in a positive environment, connecting with others who want to learn about the environment, staying healthy, and exploring exciting careers.
To register or learn more about our FREE summer camps, click the program of interest below. Some of our summer camps offer stipends for travel expenses.
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Data STEAAM Camp – This 6-week Data Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture, Architecture, Math (STEAAM) Camp will lead high schoolers through an immersive summer focused on agriculture and architecture. Discussions will encompass college-level resources, social approaches, and analytical techniques surrounding STEAAM. Students will conduct research, utilize data reporting, technological tools and explore how to promote food security within food deserts to ensure access to fresh food options and quality water supplies. Campers will have the opportunity to meet STEAAM experts while exploring UDC’s college degree programs, internships, career paths and industry-specific training.
Location: Van Ness Campus, 4200 Connecticut Ave, NW, Washington, D.C.
Dates/Times: 06/23 - 08/01, M-F, 9 AM – 1 PM
Hydroponic and Microgreens Better Nutrition Camp
Students will learn the fundamentals of urban food production, focusing on how to grow microgreens and sprouts in small spaces, making urban agriculture accessible even in apartments or homes without land access. The camp will cover the full process from seed germination to harvest, demonstrating how small-scale production can contribute to household or community food security. Once completed, students will have a better understanding of hydroponic systems, the nutritional value of fresh produce, and explore potential entrepreneurial opportunities. Additionally, the camp will introduce students to UDC’s urban agriculture programs, potentially inspiring them to explore academic and career paths in agriculture, food systems, or sustainability.
Location: Van Ness Campus, 4200 Connecticut Ave, NW, Washington, D.C.
Dates/Times: 6/2-6/6 or 7/7-7/11, 9 AM – 12 PM
Green Zone Summer Camp
The Department of Energy and Environment’s (DOEE) Green Zone Environmental Program (GZEP) implements a comprehensive curriculum designed to educate participants ages 14-24 about sustainability, energy, water, wildlife, and natural resources issues impacting communities in the district and provide green career development and job training opportunities.
Location: Lamond Riggs Campus, 5171 South Dakota Ave NE, Washington, D.C.
Dates/Times: 6/24 - 8/1, M-F, 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM.
Architecture Summer Camp
The two-week summer camp focuses on design excellence, sustainability, and community engagement, equipping campers with the skills to tackle global challenges. D.C. high school students will explore cutting-edge tools like virtual reality in our advanced immersive lab, enhance their technical expertise with state-of-the-art model-making facilities, and gain practical knowledge through collaborative, real-world projects.
Location: Van Ness Campus, 4200 Connecticut Ave, NW, Washington, D.C.
Dates/Times:
Session I: 6/16 - 6/27, M-F. 10 AM – 12:30 PM
Session II: 7/21 - 8/01, M-F, 10 AM – 12:30 PM
Culinary Arts Summer Camp
DC youths interested in cooking, culinary arts, and delicious food will learn culinary arts skills while creating unique dishes from several different cultural cuisines. Chef Herbert Holden of CAUSES’ Center for Diet, Nutrition, and Health will teach campers techniques needed to follow recipes, prep food, use kitchen equipment safely and hygienically, and cook their favorite dishes. Campers will also learn about health and food nutrition.
Location: Van Ness Campus, 4200 Connecticut Ave, NW, Washington, D.C.
Dates/Times:
Session I: 7/21 - 7/25, M-F, 11 AM - 1:30 PM
Session II: 8/4 - 8/8, M-F, 11 AM - 1:30 PM
Agri- Earth STEM Summer Camp
The camp empowers youths to explore urban agriculture, food security, climate change, renewable energy, and STEM careers through interactive challenges and real-world applications. Youths will connect with like-minded individuals and develop critical STEM skills. Campers will delve into urban farming, global sustainability, and its challenges through a mock-up competition and create lasting friendships.
Location: Van Ness Campus, 4200 Connecticut Ave, NW, Washington, D.C.
Dates/Times: 6/23 – 7/31, M-F, 10 AM – 3 PM
4-H Soccer Program Summer Camp
The camp is designed for players to learn sportsmanship in a setting that fosters essential life skills to apply on and off the field. Teams are organized by gender and age, offering a high-quality soccer experience for both recreational and competitive players.
Location: Van Ness Campus, 4200 Connecticut Ave, NW, Washington, D.C.
Dates/Times: 6/23 - 8/15, M-F, 10 AM - 11 AM
To register your student for summer camp, click here. To learn more about our summer opportunities, email us at causes@udc.edu or call 202-274-7124.
| | Click the video below to experience our past summer camp adventures. | | |
Giving Week is Approaching! CAUSES' Day to Support is April 23rd!
Support the College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability, and Environmental Sciences. Your contribution will help the College continue to reach our goals and objectives and fulfill our mission and vision.
During the Week of Giving, we ask each donor, new or old, to donate a minimum of 1851 to honor the founding of UDC and its rich legacy. Your 1851 can come in any form ($18.51, $185.10, $1,851 or more). Join us in this remarkable milestone and become an 1851 donor!!
UDC-CAUSES needs your help with #TurningPotentialIntoPower in the District of Columbia! Show your support for UDC’s annual Week of Giving appeal with three simple steps:
1. Mark April 23, 2025, on your calendar (UDC-CAUSES' Day of Giving). UDC Giving Week starts April 21st.
2. Spread the word on social media using #TurningPotentialIntoPower and tell us why supporting UDC is important to you!
3. Join your fellow Firebirds and make a gift to support the UDC Fund!
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Seniors Do Workout
The BODYWISE Program is specifically designed and operated to promote health, wellness, and fitness for persons 60 years of age or older in the District of Columbia. Some of the benefits which may be achieved include: an increase in participants' cardiovascular efficiency, muscular strength, flexibility, and overall life satisfaction, as well as health and preventive knowledge.
The BODYWISE Program consists of water aerobics (swimming is not required), yoga, low-impact aerobics, and chair exercise classes. Classes are conducted by appropriately trained and certified instructors. Participants are encouraged to exercise at their personal level of fitness. The program also provides great opportunities for socializing.
If interested, check out the upcoming schedule for BODYWISE classes throughout Washington, D.C. and apply to the program by clicking here.
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CAUSES Wants to Hear from You!
Choose your Favorite Urban Extension Logo
What logo do you like the best? The goal of this poll is to increase the visibility of Urban Extension programs like those offered by UDC-CAUSES. By choosing a logo, we can create a cohesive brand across Urban Extension programs in the Northeast, which will increase our community – based audiences. To cast your vote, click here.
Share Your News
To submit articles for our next newsletter, click here.
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Your participation is essential to UDC-CAUSES' mission. You can help us continue developing innovative solutions for the world's future through support of our urban food hubs, research efforts, urban farming and youth development activities, community events, and more.
Your contribution supports the college's research-based and community outreach programs that improve the quality of life and economic opportunity of people and communities in DC, and beyond.
If you have questions or would like to schedule a volunteer day for your organization, contact Michele Bassler at michele.bassler@udc.edu.
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UDC's Foundation is committed to supporting future generations. We strive to give students the resources necessary to achieve success, and your contributions help UDC-CAUSES arm its students with the skills and knowledge to face global challenges, create solutions to community and global issues, and meet industries' talent demands.
Your support is needed to advance the University's research and continue our academic excellence and innovation legacy.
Create a legacy of giving and leave a positive and enduring impact on the lives of these deserving students. Your generosity will open doors to education and empower the next generation to pursue their dreams and aspirations.
| | | | Stay Informed! Check out our upcoming community-based programs. | | | | |
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Welcome to the College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability, & Environmental Sciences (CAUSES) of the University of the District of Columbia (UDC). UDC-CAUSES was formed in 2010 as the University’s land-grant college.
We engage in applied teaching and research that helps to improve the quality of life and economic opportunity for residents of the District of Columbia and others around the world through traditional academic degrees and through non-degree, non-credit bearing, skills-building programs, such as green infrastructure and urban agriculture.
UDC-CAUSES is unique in its organizational structure and its mission: an interdisciplinary college where academic programs such as architecture, urban sustainability, health education, nutrition and dietetics, and nursing train a forward-thinking generation of professionals who will ensure that the world has “Healthy Cities–Healthy People.” The College houses the only doctoral-level program in the nation that focuses on urban leadership and entrepreneurship.
For more information or inquiries, feel free to contact us at causes@udc.edu.
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About the University of the District of Columbia
As an HBCU, an urban land-grant institution, and the only public university in the nation’s capital, the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) is committed to a broad mission of education, research, and community service. Established by abolitionist Myrtilla Miner in 1851, the University offers Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees, along with a host of workforce development and continuing education certifications for student success, professional growth, and economic advancement. The University is comprised of the College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences; College of Arts and Sciences; School of Business and Public Administration; School of Engineering and Applied Sciences; UDC Community College; and the UDC David A. Clarke School of Law. To learn more, visit www.udc.edu.
The University of the District of Columbia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. Minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The University prohibits discrimination or harassment against any person on the basis of the actual or perceived actual race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, marital status, personal appearance, genetic information, familial status, source of income, status as a victim of an intrafamily offense, place of residence or business, or status as a covered veteran, as provided for and to the extent required by District and Federal statutes and regulations. For a full version of the University’s EO Policy Statement, please visit: http://www.udc.edu/equal_opportunity.The University of the District of Columbia is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 1007 North Orange Street, 4th Floor, MB #166, Wilmington, DE 19801, 267-284-5011.
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
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