Forestry

Forestry

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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, members would learn more about common Nebraskan trees. For more information about tree classification visit this website https://4hcurriculum.unl.edu/index.php/main/program_project/65

Department Rules

1. The official reference for all forestry projects is the Tree Identification Manual (4-H 332) https://marketplace.unl.edu/ne4h/4h332.html which was recently revised and is available for purchase from UNL Marketplace. Other helpful forestry references include Trees of Nebraska (EC 92-1774-X), Leafing Out (4-H431) and Plant a Tree (EC 17-11-80). https://marketplace.unl.edu/ne4h/leafing-out.html

2. Display "boards" must be made from wood or wood composite, e.g. plywood, fiberboard, or masonite, 1/4 inches to ½ inches 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.

3. 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.

4. Display "books" must measure no more than 16 inches x 16 inches.

5. At least five of the 10 samples in Class 2, 3, 4, and 5 must be from the list of 60 species described in 4-H 332. 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. 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.

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.7. 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 capitalized. 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 and the common name is Norway maple. “Emerald Queen” may be included as the variety name, but variety names are not required.

8. How well the 4-H member follows written directions is an important factor in judging.

D320001 Design Your Own Exhibit - Prepare an educational exhibit about some 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 are 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, but include enough information to adequately explain the topic. Your display should be substantially different from other display classes. Be as creative as you like.

D320002 Leaf Display - 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 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 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 and when collecting leaves 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, 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., may be included to enhance educational value. These are important factors in judging, and should not exceed three printed pages including citation of sources.

D320003 Twig Display - 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 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 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, staplesetc., 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, tree characteristics, etc., may be included to enhance educational value.

D320004 Seed Display - 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 collection must be done by the 4-H member exhibitor. 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 the 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 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. 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: 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.

D320005 Wood Display - 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 an example 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. 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 collection must be done 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., 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: This may include general uses, common products, fall color, wood density, etc., to enhance educational value. These are important factors in judging, and should not exceed three printed pages including citation of sources.

D320006 Cross Section Display - 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 and 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 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)

D320007 Parts of a Tree - This exhibit 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: 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-Hmember s name and age.

D320008 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 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 valueand 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.

D320009 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 24 inches x 24 inches. 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.

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 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, 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. Cite sources of information. 

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 building, 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. Cite sources of information