Where Are They Now? 4-H Forestry Judging has Positive Influence on Youth

摘要

The purpose of the Cooperative Extension 4-H forestry judging program is to help youth develop appreciation for the importance of conserving forest land as a source of products, benefits, and services for quality living. 4-H foresters learn citizenship and leadership as well as practical forest management skills. By learning these skills young people are better prepared to own forest land and address environmental issues in the future.Participating in 4-H forestry judging means studying tree anatomy for proper identification, mastering insect and disease identification, developing skill in pacing and land navigation using a compass or GPS unit, and topographic map use. In a site evaluation exercise, youth begin with a landowner objective. They then evaluate a given parcel or site, taking into account silvicultural practices, stocking, soil depth, aspect, and numerous other environmental variables. A forestry bowl contest and writtenexam is administered toward the end of the competition to assess overall knowledge and grasp of forestry practices. The National 4-H Forestry Invitational is held annually at Jackson's Mill 4-H Conference Center in Weston, West Virginia, the first and oldest 4-H educational center in the nation.