The Decatur County 4-H Forestry Judging Team recently participated in the Southwest District 4-H Forestry Field Day. The contest was held September 10, 2024 at Reed Bingham State Park in Cook County. Junior team members Bryan Doss, Luke Clements, Skye Clements, Corbin Keaton, Madison Patrick, Evan Patrick, and Scott Ross Hayes were the 1st place Junior team. Skye Clements was the 1st place Junior Individual, Scott Ross Hayes was the 2nd place Junior Individual and Bryan Doss was 4th place Junior Individual. Senior members were Autumn Wiggins and Owen Fleming.
Decatur County 4-H Forestry Judging Team Members at the 4-H Southwest Forestry Field Day Competition.
Back row L-R: Scott Ross Hayes, Evan Patrick, Owen Fleming, Corbin Keaton and Autumn Wiggins
Front row L-R: Bryan Doss, Luke Clements, Skye Clements, and Madison Patrick
Forestry Judging is a rigorous contest with youth learning to identify up to 70 tree species found in Georgia and learning the most common insects and diseases that impact our forests. Pacing and compass skills are honed. These skills, along with using specialized forestry tools, allow youth to estimate timber volume. Forestry judging gets 4-H’ers outside learning fundamental skills that foresters use each day to manage our forests to provide wood products, wildlife habitats, clean air and scenic views. The team members studied and practiced diligently as they reinforced the 4-H Motto, “Making the Best Better.”
For more information on Decatur County 4-H activities or events, contact the Decatur County Cooperative Extension Office at 248-3033 or check our website at www.ugaextension.com/decatur.
