Forestry

The leaf 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 two 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. Leaf samples should be in good condition and representative of the average leaves on the tree. Keep in mind that shaded leaves are often much larger than leaves in full sun. Carefully remove leaves from the twig with the entire petiole or rachis intact. After 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 leaves on private land, remember to get permission. All collections 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 that 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, state and county at a minimum). If a twig is included with a sample, indicate “twig included” on the label. For example, the twig may be included with an eastern red cedar sample because the leaves are very small and difficult to remove from the twig.
• 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 citation of sources.

The twig 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 two samples each of opposite and alternate leaf arrangements from broadleaf trees.

• Collection: Twig samples should be collected during the dormant season ( approximately 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 and exhibit buds. The terminal end of the twig must be included. If present, leaves of deciduous trees should be removed. Leaves of evergreen trees should be retained, but be sure the buds are visible. . . Side branches must be trimmed to less than 1 inch in length. All twig collection must be done by the 4‑H member. ember.
• Mounting: Twigs must be mounted on a display board. Any method, including wire, glue, tape, staples, etc., may be used to mount twigs, but be sure all features can be clearly identified. The non-terminal end must be cut 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 6. collection location (be specific, state and county at a minimum)
• 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 citation of sources.

The seed 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 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. Seed samples should be 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, sincesome 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 seeds 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 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, e.g., mounted on a display board, displayed in jars in a rack, etc., but they must be securely mounted and easily viewed.
• Labeling: The label for each sample must include: 1. common name, 2. scientific name, 3. type of fruit (e.g., samara, pod, nut, legume, etc.), 4. collector’s name, 5. collection date 6. collection location (be specific, state and county at a minimum)
• 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 citation of sources.

The wood 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 from 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 four inches (H) x four inches (W) x four 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 a must, and proper personal protection equipment needs to 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, for example, mounted on a display board, displayed in a box or rack, etc. They must be securely mounted and easily viewed.
• 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 6. collection location (be specific, state and county at a minimum).
• 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 citation of sources.

A disc cut from a tree species listed on 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 the cross-section, assistance from an adult is a must, and proper personal protection equipment needs to be utilized by both the adult and the 4‑H member. Safety always comes first. The disc must measure 6 to 12 inches in diameter and 1 to 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 one side of the disc so the grain can be easily seen. If the disc is treated with a clear finish, both sides must be treated to minimize warping. As the disc dries, 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, or some other form of identification: 1. Pith 2. Heartwood 3. Sapwood 4. One growth ring (beginning and end) 5. Cambium 6. Bark. A separate label firmly attached to the back of the disc must include: 7. Common name 8. Scientific name 9. Tree classification (softwood or hardwood) 10. Age of the cross-section 11. Collector’s name 12. Collection date 13. Collection location (be specific, state, and county at a minimum)

(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:

1. Trunk
2. Crown
3. Roots
4. Leaves
5. Flowers
6. Fruit
7. Buds
8. 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. (SF39)

A living tree seedling grown by the 4‑H member from seed in the display container. 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 a drainage hole(s), 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 that is 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 6. collector’s name.
• Supplemental information about the tree: Examples include where the seed was collected, growth measurements, uses for that species, etc. These may be included in an attached notebook, poster, etc. Supplemental information will enhance the educational value and be an important factor in judging. Supplemental information needs to be attached to either the pot or to a stake that is in the soil of the pot. DO NOT attach supplemental information to the living tree. Supplemental information should not exceed three printed pages and cite sources of information.

Prepare a visual display and/or collection tracing the origin of one 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). Original 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 one 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 three printed pages of text. Cite sources of information.
• Personal interviews with industry professionals are encouraged as a source of information.

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 three printed pages of text. Include citation of sources.

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 three printed pages of text. Include citation of sources.

Plant a tree in your community – on private or public property. Prepare a visual display where the 4‑H member articulates proper tree planting techniques and follow-up care for the tree after planting, why the individual tree species was chosen, as well as steps taken to continue 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 one year before the State Fair judging day. 4‑H members must obtain permission from the 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 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 enhance educational value and be a factor in judging, but should not exceed three printed pages of text. Include citation of sources.