4-H Forestry judging is a national competition that involves the following:
Youth compete in teams of three or four. Team scores are based on the top three individual scores in each category, with the exception of forestry bowl and evaluation, which are completed as a team. There are two age groups: juniors (age 9-13) and seniors (age 14-19). Ages are calculated on Jan. 1 of the contest year. Team members typically come form the same county, though adjacent counties may combine if necessary.
The Invitational is sponsored by the International Paper Company Foundation through the Cooperative Extension Service
The purpose of 4-H forestry judging is to develop appreciation for the importance of conserving forestland as a source of products, benefits, and services necessary for quality living. 4-H Foresters learn citizenship and leadership skills as well as practical forest management skills. By learning these skills young people will be better prepared to own forestland or deal with environmental issues in the future.
The National 4-H Forestry Invitational is the national championship of 4-H forestry. Each year, since 1980, teams of 4-H Foresters have come to Jackson's Mill State 4-H Conference Center at Weston, WV, to meet, compete, and have fun. Jackson's Mill is the boyhood home of General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, hero of the Civil War, and a historic setting for the Invitational. Jackson's Mill State 4-H Conference Center is the first and oldest 4-H camp in the United States and is operated by West Virginia University.
Materials (available from Forestry Specialist):
Forestry Invitational Handbook (45 pp.)
Insects and Diseases of the South (98 pp.)
Tree scale sticks
Forest Trees of Virginia (87pp)
National 4-H Forestry Project Series: Trees (Unit A), Forests (Unit B), Urban Forestry