Forestry

Division

Class

Pay

Purple

Blue

Red

White

320

All Classes

1

$6

$4

$2

$1

H

320

001

H

320

002

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

• Collection: Whenever possible, collect leaves from mature trees. 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 normal. 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. 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: 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, 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: e.g. general uses, common products, fall color, etc., may be included to enhance educational value.

H

320

003

Twig Display - The twig display must include twig samples from at least 10 different tree species. The display must include at least two samples of 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 and exhibit buds. Leaves must be removed, and side branches must be trimmed to less than 1 inch in length. 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, 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) 
  4. Collector’s name 5. collection date 
  5. Collection location (be specific, state and county at a minimum)
• Supplemental information: e.g. general uses, tree characteristics, etc., may be included to enhance educational value.

H

320

004

Seed Display - The seed 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 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. Seed samples should be free of insect or disease symptoms. Remember to display seeds, not fruit. For example, the seed of Honeylocust is enclosed in a pod. Remove and display the seed, not just the pod. 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, e.g. mounted on a display board, displayed in jars in a rack, etc., but they must be securely mounted and easily viewed. 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, nut, legume, etc.) 
  4. Collector’s name  
  5. Collection date 
  6. Collection location (be specific, state and county at a minimum)
• Supplemental information: e.g. maturity date, average number of seed in the fruit, etc., may be included to enhance educational value.

H

320

005

Wood Display - The wood display must include wood samples from at least 10 different tree species.

• Preparation: Samples may be of any shape, e.g. sections from a board, wood cylinders turned on a lathe, horizontal or vertical cross-sections of a small log with bark attached, etc., but all samples should be the same shape, e.g. all wood cylinders or all sections of a board. Each sample can be no larger than four inches x four inches x four 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, e.g. mounted on a display board, displayed in a box or rack, etc., but they must be securely mounted and easily viewed. 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 
  6. Collection location (be specific, state and county at a minimum)
• Supplemental information: e.g. common products, wood density, etc., may be included to enhance educational value.

H

320

006

Cross Section Display - a disc cut from a tree species listed in 4H 332. The sample must be collected, by the 4-H member, within one year of the state fair judging day. 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 and accurately labeled on the cross section 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 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  
6. Collection date 
7. Collection location (be specific, state and county at a minimum)

H

320

007

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: 

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.

H

320

008

Living Tree Display - a living tree seedling grown by the 4-H member from seed in the display container. The seed must be from a species listed in 4H 332. 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 a drainage hole(s), 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 
6. Collector’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. to enhance educational value. Supplemental information will be an important factor in judging.

H

320

009

Forest Product Display - 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 x 22 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 one 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 three printed pages of text. Cite sources of information.
• Personal interviews with industry professionals are encouraged as a source of information.

H

320

010

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 three 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.

H

320

011

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 three printed pages of text. Cite sources of information

H

320

012

Sustainable Landscape Diorama- Box must be no larger than 24 inches x 24 inches. The exhibit must show a Nebraska landscape that includes elements such as windbreaks, fields, pastureland, CRP, public lands, community/municipal landscapes. The goal of this exhibit is for students to articulate conservation and sustainability best-practices that can be implemented on a landscape, while addressing landowner and other stakeholder interests. 

• Label point/nonpoint sources of pollution, carbon sequestration, water-wise practices, wildfire prevention strategies, renewable energy sources, and other conservation practices as well as at least 10 species of plants included in the diorama. 
• Attach to the exhibit a brief report including supplemental information describing the diorama, defining conservation practices, and outlining opportunities for landscape improvements 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.

H

320

013

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 continue 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 
  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 three printed pages of text. Cite sources of information.