4-H Seedlings

Project Overview

The 4-H Seedling Project is designed to teach youth about natural resources by giving them an opportunity to plant bare root seedlings grown at Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) nurseries. Loblolly and white pine seedlings are available free to 4-H members enrolled in the 4-H seedling project and who place an order with their local Extension Agent prior to Jan. 10. Hardwood seedlings can be purchased at low cost directly from the Virginia Department of Forestry. Visit their website at: http://state.vipnet.org/dof/nursery/nurs-catalog-intro.htm

The 4-H American Chestnut project gives youth a two-fold opportunity to participate in a scientific experiment and the effort to restore a historically important tree to the North American landscape. To find out more visit: http://www.cnr.vt.edu/forsite/chestnut/index.htm

PROJECT MATERIALS:

Tree Planting Project Book- is a 12-page project book. Agents may order it from the Extension Distribution Center, publication # 420-025.

Record Sheet- is a two-page item that can be used with a project portfolio. Download as a PDF, http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/environment/pineseed/pineseedrecord.pdf

Virginia Pine Seedling Project- is a four-fold "checklist" that youth can use to draw a map of the planting area and record the survival of seedlings. Extension Agents may order it from the Distribution Center, publication # 420-068.

"Planting Instructions" is a one-page piece that can be attached to seedlings and used with school groups. Agents may order it from the Distribution Center, publication #390-070.

Parent Letter and Seedling Order Form - are mailed to 4-H member families who express an interest in the pine seedling project.

ADMINISTERING THE PROJECT:

• Extension Agents survey 4-H members and leaders (including teachers) sometime during the period September through November.
• Extension Agents order pine seedlings from the VDOF forester in their county by Jan. 15.
• Loblolly pine is ordered for coastal plain and piedmont counties. White pine is ordered for mountain and valley counties or Christmas tree projects.
• Distribute seedlings in March or April (earlier on the coastal plain).
• School groups: one seedling per student is recommended. Wrap roots in a moist paper towel, place in a plastic bag, and attach instructions. Parental permission is not required.
• Others: 25, 50 or 100 seedlings with parent signature and description of the planting area. Please encourage youth to complete survival records and return to you each year.
• Great way to teach Science SOL 4.8- Virginiašs Natural Resources.