- ONLY 1 ENTRY PER CLASS NUMBER PER 4-H MEMBER.
This category provides 4‑H members an opportunity to prepare displays that shows their expertise in many aspects of forestry. Involvement in this category will lead to expansion of seed, twig, wood, leaf, and tree knowledge for 4‑H members. In addition, 4‑H members will learn more about common Nebraskan trees.
The official reference for all forestry projects is Nebraska Extension’s “Tree Identification Manual“ (4H332). Other helpful forestry references include Nebraska Extension’s “Trees of Nebraska” (EC92-1774), Using the project books 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 tree species found on the 2026 Nebraska 4-H Tree List. 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 or 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.
🆕 NEW: Due to the lifting of the quarantine restrictions in the state of Nebraska for all true ash species regarding the threat of Emerald Ash Borer, specimens such as Green Ash and White Ash will be accepted for all collections. Collections containing true ash species will NOT be disqualified from county or state judging.
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 or 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
🔎 MORE INFORMATION: Forestry projects books, 2026 Nebraska 4-H Tree List and links to scoresheets
are at 4‑H Plant Science Fair Resources, Static Exhibit Resources.
D320001 Design-Your-Own Exhibit — prepare an educational exhibit about an aspect of trees, forests or forestry that is of special interest to you. Possible topics include paper recycling, grafting fruit or nut trees, proper pruning techniques, how wildlife is impacted by forests, history about a local arboretum, information about a historical tree in Nebraska, the history of planting windbreaks in Nebraska, etc. The display must be no larger than 24 inches (H) x 24 inches (W) x 24 inches (D). Original photographs, drawings, samples, charts, posters, etc. can be used. Include enough information to adequately explain the topic being showcased. This exhibit will need to be substantially different from the other exhibit classes. Be as creative as you like.
D320002 Leaf Display — display must include samples of “complete leaves” from at least 10 different tree species. At least 5 of the 10 samples must be from a tree on the 2026 Nebraska 4-H Tree List. 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: Collect leaves any time after they have reached full size, usually beginning in early summer. The leaf samples should 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 leaves in full sun. Carefully remove leaves from the twig with the entire petiole or rachis (if compound) intact. 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 and when collecting on private land, remember to get permission. 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, but be sure all their features can be clearly identified.
LABELING: The label for each sample must include: 1) common name; 2) scientific name; 3) leaf type; (i.e. broadleaf, needle-like, etc.) 4) leaf arrangement (for broadleaf trees; i.e. alternate, opposite, whorled); 5) leaf composition (for broadleaf trees; i.e. simple, pinnately compound, palmately compound, etc.); 6) collector’s name; 7) collection date; 8) collection location (be specific, including county and other relevant information).
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION: this may include, general uses, common products, fall color, etc., to enhance educational value. These are important factors in judging and should not exceed 3 printed pages including cited sources.
D320003 Twig Display — display must include twig samples from at least 10 different tree species. At least 5 of the 10 species must be from the 2026 Nebraska 4-H Tree List. 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–March) when the buds are mature but before spring budbreak. Be sure to collect healthy twigs, not diseased or dead twigs. 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. If present, leaves of deciduous trees should be removed. Leaves of evergreen trees should be retained but be sure the buds are visible. 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 including wire, glue, tape, or staples 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; i.e. alternate, opposite, whorled); 4) collector’s name; 5) collection date and 6) collection location (be specific, including county and other relevant information).
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION: This may include, general uses, common products, fall color, etc. to enhance educational value. These are important factors in judging, and should not exceed three printed pages including cited sources.
D320004 Seed Display — display must include seed samples from at least 10 different tree species. At least 5 of the 10 species must be from a tree on the 2026 Nebraska 4-H Tree List.
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 Norway maple seeds mature in September or October. Collect seeds that are free of insect or disease symptoms. All seed collection must be done by the 4-H member. The focus of this display is seeds; however, species identification by seeds is often greatly aided by including the fruit, since some seeds are very difficult to separate from the fruit. Use the following guidelines when preparing this display: If the fruit is displayed along with the seeds, clearly label each. Seeds enclosed in a dry, papery fruit (such as maple, ash, and elm) should be left within the fruit to aid in identification. Seeds enclosed in large fleshy fruit(s) (such as apple, mulberry, pawpaw) should be removed from the fruit and displayed without the fruit. Small fleshy fruits that can be dried (such as hackberry) may be displayed, but some seed should also be removed from the fruit and displayed alongside the dried fruit. - Acorns (oaks) should be left intact to aid in identification. - Seeds easily removed from the fruit, such as seeds within a husk (walnuts, hickory, buckeye, etc.) a pod (honey locust, Kentucky coffee tree, etc.), or a capsule (poplar, sweetgum, etc.) should be removed from the fruit for display. The fruit may be displayed in addition to the seed. - Cones from conifers (pines, spruces, fir, etc.) may be displayed along with the conifer seeds.
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.
LABELING: The label for each sample must include: 1) common name; 2) scientific name; 3) type of fruit (e.g. samara, pod or legume); 4) collector’s name; 5) collection date and 6) collection location (be specific, including county and other relevant information). Supplemental information, e.g. maturity date, average number of seed in the fruit, etc., may be included with the display to enhance educational value.
D320005 Wood Display — display must include wood samples from at least 10 different tree species. At least 5 of the 10 species must be from a tree on the 2026 Nebraska 4-H Tree List.
PREPARATION: Samples may be of any shape, for example, sections of a board, wood cylinders turned on a lathe, horizontal or vertical cross sections of a small log with bark attached, etc. All samples should be the same shape, for example, all wood cylinders or all sections of a board. Each sample can be no larger than 4 inches (H) x 4 inches (W) x 4 inches (D). Cut surfaces should be sanded to show the grain. Treating samples with a clear finish (no stain) is optional. When power tools are used for collecting, preparing and mounting samples, assistance from an adult is required. Proper personal protection equipment must be utilized by both the adult and the 4-H member. Safety always comes first. All samples must be collected 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.
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: This may include general uses, common products, fall color, etc. to enhance educational value. These are important factors in judging and should not exceed three printed pages including cited sources.
D320006 Cross Section Display — a disc cut from a tree species listed in the 2026 Nebraska 4-H Tree List. The sample must be collected by the 4-H member within one year of the state fair judging day. When power tools are used for collecting and preparing a cross section, assistance from an adult is required. Proper personal protection equipment must be utilized by both the adult and the 4-H member. Safety always comes first. 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, accurately and securely attached. Cross sections should be labeled 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 recommended for 4-H members 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 on the 2026 Nebraska 4-H Tree List. 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) measured vertically, have drainage holes and a drain pan to catch drainage water. For this display, the 4-H member does not have to be the one to collect the seed. but they will need to plant the seed themselves.
LABELING: A waterproof label must be attached to the pot or to a stake in the soil of the pot 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: e.g. where the seed was collected, growth measurements, uses for that species, etc. These may be included in an attached notebook, poster, etc. Supporting information will enhance educational value and be an important factor in judging. Supplemental information needs to be attached to either the pot or to a stake in the soil of the pot. DO NOT attach supplemental information to the living tree. Supplemental information should not exceed 3 printed pages and include cited sources.
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 24 inches (H) x 24 inches (W) x 24 inches (D). Photographs, drawings, samples, charts, posters, etc. can be used. Posters submitted may be no larger than 24 inches x 24 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 4-H members 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: for example, 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 (H) x 24 inches (W) x 24 inches (D). Original photographs, drawings, samples, charts, posters, etc. can be used. Actual specimens are strongly encouraged, but must be properly preserved, such as 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: for example, 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. Include cited sources.
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 such as forest management plans and implementation, placements of fire breaks or fuel breaks around buildings, wildfire preparedness items, etc.
- Supplemental information about wildfire prevention should be attached to the poster: for example, 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. Include cited sources.
D320012 Tree Planting Project Display — plant a tree in your community on — on private or public property. Prepare a visual display where the 4-H member 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 (H) x 24 inches (W) x 24 inches (D). Original photographs, drawings, 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. 4-H members must obtain permission from necessary authorities and property owners before planting any trees. Diggers Hotline (811) MUST be contacted before planting. Provide documentation that permission was obtained and that Diggers Hotline was contacted.
- Display: 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 (nursery or store where the tree was purchased), 6) planter’s name, 7) proper tree planting steps and 8) tree care and maintenance after planting.
- Supplemental information about the tree: for example, 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. Include cited sources.