Forestry

• ONLY 1 ENTRY PER CLASS NUMBER PER 4-H MEMBER.

The official reference for all forestry projects is the Tree Identification Manual (4H332). Other helpful forestry references include Trees of Nebraska (EC92-1774-X), Leafing Out (4H431) and Plant a Tree (EC 17-11-80). Using the manuals is optional.

Display “boards” must be made from wood or wood composite, e.g. plywood, fiberboard or masonite, 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch thick and no larger than 24 inches x 24 inches. Display boards may be coated, e.g. painted or varnished, on both sides to prevent warping.

Display “posters” must be made from a material, e.g. foam board or poster board, that will stand upright without buckling and be no larger than 24 inches x 24 inches. 

Display “books” must measure no more than 16 inches x 16 inches. At least 5 of the 10 samples in classes D320002–06 must be from the list of 60 species described in 4H332. Samples must be from 10 different tree species. For example, Emerald Queen Maple and Crimson King Maple are both varieties of the same species (Norway Maple) and thus have the same genus and species name, i.e. Acer platanoides. All samples must be from trees, NO shrubs. If more than 10 samples are included in the display, only the first 10 samples from the current year will be judged.

Due to emerald ash borer infestation, no true ash species (Green Ash, White Ash, Black Ash or Blue Ash) may be included in any collections. Inclusion of a true ash species will result of the project being disqualified.

Remember that other general labeling standards apply. For example, scientific names are always italicized or underlined. Also, the first letter of a Genus name is always upper case. The first letter of a species name is always lower case. When required, always indicate complete scientific names (Genus and species) and common names, (e.g. Norway maple) even when “variety names” are included. For example, the scientific name of Emerald Queen Maple is Acer platanoides and the common name is Norway maple. “Emerald Queen” may be included as the variety name, but variety names are not required.

• Premiums: Purple $3; Blue $2; Red $1; White $0
• Special Award to Top Forestry Exhibit

D320001   Design-Your-Own Exhibit — prepare an educational exhibit about some aspect of trees, forests or forestry that is of special interest to you. Possible topics include paper recycling, forest fire, forest products, forest wildlife or forest pests. The only requirement is that the display must be no larger than 24 inches x 24 inches x 24 inches. You can use photographs, drawings, samples, charts, posters, etc. Include enough information to adequately explain the topic. Your display should be substantially different from other display classes. Be as creative as you like.

D320002   Leaf Display — display must include samples of “complete leaves” from at least 10 different tree species. The display must include at least 2 samples each of simple leaves, compound leaves and conifer leaves. Leaves should be pressed, dried and mounted. 

• COLLECTION: Whenever possible, collect leaves from mature trees. The leaf samples should also be mature, representative of the average leaves on the tree and in good condition. Keep in mind that shaded leaves often are much larger than normal. Carefully remove leaves from the twig with the entire petiole or rachis (if compound) intact. If twig material is included in the display sample, as with an eastern red cedar twig where leaves are very small, indicate this on the sample label. Collect leaves any time after they have reached full size, usually beginning in early summer. During collection, fresh leaf samples can be temporarily stored within the pages of an old magazine, but they should be properly pressed and dried for display. Be sure to record pertinent information during collection. All collection must be done by the 4-H member. 
• MOUNTING: Leaves may be displayed in a notebook or on a display board. Any method may be used to mount leaves, e.g. wire, glue, tape, staples, plastic bags, but be sure all their features can be clearly identified. 
• LABELING: Refer to manual 4H332 for labeling specifications. The label for each sample must include: 1) common name; 2) scientific name; 3) leaf type; 4) leaf arrangement (for broadleaf trees); 5) leaf composition (for broadleaf trees); 6) collector’s name; 7) collection date; 8) collection location (be specific, including county and other relevant information). Supplemental information, e.g. general uses, common products, fall color, etc., may be included with the display to enhance its educational value.

D320003   Twig Display — display must include twig samples from at least 10 different tree species. The display must include at least 2 samples each of both opposite and alternate leaf arrangements from broadleaf trees.

• COLLECTION: Twig samples should be collected during the dormant season (November–April) when the buds are mature. Twig samples must be at least 6 inches long including the terminal end, contain buds, be in good condition and not include any leaves or petioles. Any side branches should be trimmed to less than 1 inch. All collection must be done by the 4-H member.
• MOUNTING: Twigs must be mounted on a display board. Any method, e.g. wire, glue, tape, staples, plastic bags, may be used to mount twigs, but be sure all their features can be clearly identified. Be sure to cut the non-terminal end at a slant so the pith can be seen.
• LABELING: The label for each sample must include: 1) common name; 2) scientific name; 3) leaf arrangement (for broadleaf trees); 4) collector’s name; 5) collection date and 6) collection location (be specific, including county and other relevant information). Supplemental information, e.g. general uses, tree characteristics, etc., may be included with the display to enhance its educational value.

D320004   Seed Display — display must include seed samples from at least 10 different tree species.

• COLLECTION: Tree seeds should be collected at the time of year when they are mature, which varies widely depending upon tree species. For example, silver maple seeds mature in May while red oak acorns do not mature until September. Collect seeds that are free of insect or disease symptoms. Remember to display the seeds and not the fruit. For example, remove and display the seed from a Honey locust pod, not just the pod itself. It is acceptable to display the fruit with the seed, but clearly label each. All collection must be done by the 4-H member.
• MOUNTING: Seeds may be displayed in a variety of ways, but they must be securely mounted and easily viewed. For example, seeds might be mounted on a display board or displayed in jars in a rack. Be as creative as you like.
• LABELING: The label for each sample must include: 1) common name; 2) scientific name; 3) type of fruit, if known (e.g. samara, pod or legume); 4) collector’s name; 5) collection date and 6) collection location (be specific, including county and otherrelevant information). Supplemental information, e.g. maturity date, average number of seed in the fruit, etc., may be included with the display to enhance its educational value.

D320005   Wood Display — display must include wood samples from at least 10 different tree species.

• PREPARATION: Samples may be of any shape,e.g. sections of a board, wood cylinders turned on a lathe, horizontal or vertical cross sections of a small log with bark attached, etc. Each sample can be no larger that 4 inches x 4 inches x 4 inches. Cut surfaces should be sanded to show the grain. Treating samples with a clear finish (no stain) is optional. All collection must be done by the 4-H member.
• MOUNTING: Samples may be displayed in a variety of ways, but they must be securely mounted and easily viewed. For example, wood samples may be mounted on a display board or displayed in a box or rack. Be as creative as you like.
• LABELING: The label for each sample must include: 1) common name; 2) scientific name; 3) wood type (softwood or hardwood); 4) collector’s name; 5) collection date and 6) collection location (be specific, including county and other relevant information). Supplemental information, e.g. common products, density, etc., may be included with the display to enhance its educational value.

D320006   Cross Section — display a disc cut from a tree species listed in the manual 4H332. The disc must measure 6–12 inches in diameter and 1–3 inches thick. The bark should be firmly attached, which may be difficult if the tree was dead when the disc was cut. Sand at least 1 side of the disc so the grain can be easily seen. The disc may be treated with a clear finish, but treat both sides to minimize warping. Some cracking or checking can be expected and is allowed.

• LABELING: The following parts must be clearly and precisely identified on the disc with pins, paper tags, etc.: a) pith; b) heartwood; c) sapwood; d) 1 growth ring; e) cambium; f) bark; A separate label attached to the back of the disc must include: 1) common name; 2) scientific name; 3) tree classification (softwood or hardwood); 4) age (of the cross section); 5) collector’s name and 6) collection location (be specific, including county and other relevant information).

D320007   Parts of a Tree — (this project is only for ages 8–11) prepare a poster, no larger than 24 inches x 24 inches that clearly identifies the main external parts of any tree: a) trunk, b) crown, c) roots, d) leaves, e) flowers, f) fruit, g) buds and h) bark. Identifying other internal parts, e.g. phloem, xylem, cambium, annual ring, pith, etc. is optional. Attach a separate label on the back of the poster that includes the 4-H member’s name and age.

D320008   Living Tree — display a living tree seedling grown by the 4-H member from seed. The seed must be from a species listed in the manual 4H332. The seedling must be 60 days to 1 year old (on State Fair judging day). The display container must contain at least 8 inches of soil (potting mix or suitable natural soil), have drainage holes and a drain pan to catch drainage water.

• LABELING: A waterproof label must be attached and include:1) common name; 2) scientific name; 3) seed treatments (if any); 4) planting date; 5) emergence date and 6) 4-H member’s name. Supplemental information about the tree, e.g. where the seed was collected, growth measurements, uses for that species, etc., may be included in an attached notebook, poster, etc. Supporting information will be an important factor in judging.

D320009   Forest Product Display — prepare a visual display and/or collection tracing the origin of 1 non-lumber product that comes from trees and/or forests. The display must be no larger than 22 inches x 24 inches x 28 inches. Photographs, drawings, samples, charts, posters, etc. can be used. Posters submitted may be no larger than 22 inches x 28 inches and may be either vertical or horizontal. The contestant must identify what species of tree the product is derived from and where the product is harvested, grown or otherwise collected. The product listed must be partially or fully derived from trees; if partial, the approximate percentage should be articulated in the display.

• The goal of this exhibit is for students to learn that many products come from trees and forests and to explore 1 of these products through in-depth study.
• Information about the tree or forest product: e.g. information about harvesting, processing, industry information and environmental or other benefits, may be included to enhance educational value. Supplemental information will be an important factor in judging but should not exceed 3 printed pages of text. Cite sources of information.
• Personal interviews with industry professionals are encouraged as a source of information.

D320010   Forest Health Display — prepare a visual display outlining a specific forest health issue such as a tree disease, insect pest, animal- or human-caused damage or an abiotic issue such as weather damage. The display must be no larger than 24 inches x 24 inches x 24 inches. Original photographs, drawings, samples, charts, posters, etc. can be used. Actual specimens are strongly encouraged, but must be properly preserved, i.e. insects pinned or placed in vials of alcohol, leaves pressed and dried. Posters submitted may be no larger than 24 inches x 24 inches.

• Explain through the display what species of trees the health issue affects, diagnostic features of the issue (symptoms in trees, identifying features of the pest, etc.) and management options.
• Include common and scientific names of trees and pests.
• Supplemental information about the tree or forest health issue: e.g. origin, proliferation in Nebraska/United States and physiological effects on the tree may be included to enhance educational value. Supplemental information will be an important factor in judging but should not exceed 3 printed pages of text. Cite sources of information.
• Attach a separate label on the back of the display that includes the 4-H member’s name and age.

D320011   Wildfire Prevention Poster — prepare a poster, no larger than 24 inches x 24 inches, that promotes wildfire prevention strategies. Strategies articulated in the poster can include personal and/or land management actions. Attach a separate label on the back of the poster that includes the 4-H member’s name and age.

• Supplemental information about wildfire prevention should be attached to the poster: e.g. frequency of wildfires in Nebraska/United States, financial costs of wildfires, environmental factors that contribute to wildfires, etc. to enhance educational value. Supplemental information will be an important factor in judging but should not exceed 3 printed pages of text. Cite sources of information.

D320013   Tree Planting Project Display — plant a tree in your community. Prepare a visual display where the student articulates proper tree planting techniques, why the individual tree species was chosen, as well as steps taken to care for the tree after initial planting. The display must be no larger than 24 inches x 24 inches x 24 inches. Photographs, drawings, samples, charts, posters, etc. can be used. Posters submitted may be no larger than 24 inches x 24 inches. The tree must have been planted 60 days to 1 year before State Fair judging day. Students must obtain permission from necessary authorities and property owners before planting any trees.

• Labeling: the following information about the tree must be included in the display: 1) common name, 2) scientific name, 3) planting location, 4) planting date, 5) tree source, 6) planter’s name, 7) proper tree planting steps and 8) tree care (after planting).
• Supplemental information about the tree: e.g. why the species was chosen, growth measurements, uses for that species, etc., may be included in an attached notebook, poster, etc. to enhance educational value. Supplemental information will be an important factor in judging but should not exceed 3 printed pages of text. Cite sources of information.