During the National 4-H Youth Summit in Washington, D.C. this past weekend, the four Greene County members, Madison Kovach, Ryan Grecoe, Elijah Earnest, and Benjamin Archer, had the opportunity to explore the United States Botanic Gardens and Conservatory!

The four members plus their 4-H advisor, Chris Becker, traveled with the Youth Summit Group to the United States Botanic Gardens and Conservatory and were able to explore the many plants and displays available. Some of the gardens included were the Garden Court, the Hawaii Garden, the Tropics, World Deserts, Medicinal Plants, Orchids, Mediterranean Garden, Plant Adaptations, and Rare and Endangered Species Garden. There were many other gardens but were not available to the public due to being out of season.

The members also were able to learn a little about the chocolate making process as well! A cart was open to the public to inform visitors how chocolate is made. The members were even able to smell chocolate butter, cocoa powder, and observe a chocolate nut. But, that was not all, behind the cart was a living Theobroma Cacao tree (chocolate tree), which allowed visitors to see in person where chocolate really comes from.