GAINESVILLE, FL — More than 70 youth from 16 counties attended the annual Florida 4-H Forest Ecology contest on Saturday, March 30 at University of Florida School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Science’s Austin Cary Forest in Gainesville. The enthusiastic contestants, ages eight to 18, demonstrated impressive knowledge of forest ecology and management.
To prepare for this contest, 4-Hers studied topics including compass and pacing; forest health; forest management; tree measurement; and identifying ecosystems, trees, and wildlife. One junior 4-Her said the best thing about the contest was “getting to learn about nature with my friends.”
Thirty volunteers from the University of Florida, the U.S Forest Service and other state agencies, plus local community members made this contest possible.
The competition concluded with awards to the high scorers. Pinellas County Senior Jocelyn Wood took the blue ribbon in individual scoring. In addition to that ribbon, Wood won a $500 scholarship to UF’s SFFGS.
“I am so excited because I am going to use that scholarship,” she said. “My mind is blown.”
Wood said she will attend the University of Florida in the fall and will study forestry at SFFGS.
Alachua County’s William Pruden won first place in the highest individual scoring for the Intermediate group.
And students Lane Taylor, Kylie Goodson, Cora Taylor, Ada Perryman from Marion County won first place in the team effort for seniors.
State 4-H Events Coordinator Courtney Quirie congratulated participants and thanked parents and event planners for their support. “I can’t wait to hear what you all do at nationals,” she said to the winners during the awards ceremony.
Contest Coordinator Elise Cassie, who also serves as the Project Learning Tree Coordinator for SFFGS, said the event was a success.
“The Florida 4-H Forest Ecology Contest is a unique opportunity for youth to explore the world around them, find life affirming skills, and connect with others who share the same interests,” Cassie said. “This is the only program that I know of in the state that offers this and it deserves all of the support we can provide.”
The highest scoring senior team is eligible to compete in the National 4-H Forestry Invitational which will be held in July at the Jackson’s Mill State 4-H Conference Center in Weston, West Virginia. Florida won the 2023 competition.
This year’s contest winners:
Junior Division
- 1st Place Individual: Jada Foucha, Sumter County
- 2nd Place Individual: Joycelynn Gardis, Leon County
- 3rd Place Individual: Addalynn Upton, Marion County
- 1st Place Team: Sumter County—Addilyn Childs, Jada Foucha, Caroline Cattrell
- 2nd Place Team: Marion County—Addalynn Upton, Callie Rae Cassidy, Jax Adamiak, Joshua Force
- 3rd Place Team: Sumter County—Eden Wilkins, Ava Baltzersen, Lily Toman
INTERMEDIATE DIVISION
- 1st Place Individual: William Pruden, Alachua County
- 2nd Place Individual: Isabella Wise, Okaloosa County
- 3rd Place Individual: Madison Wall, Marion County
- 1st Place Team: Marion County— Caleb Force, Forest DeRoy, Jacob Metzgar, Madison Wall
- 2nd Place Team: Okaloosa County— Isabella Wise, Kaden Wise, Kayleigh Thames
- 3rd Place Team: Pinellas County— Charles Wood, Charlotte Watkins, Christian Galiano, Ellis Godfrey
SENIOR DIVISION
- 1st Place Individual: Jocelyn Wood, Pinellas County
- 2nd Place Individual: Ada Perryman, Marion County
- 3rd Place Individual: Helena Perryman, St. Johns County
- 1st Place Team: Marion County— Ada Perryman, Cora Taylor, Kylie Goodson, Lane Taylor
- 2nd Place Team: Pinellas County— Annalise Watkins, Jocelyn Wood, Maleah Godfrey, Wesley Wood
- 3rd Place Team: Duval County— Kaela Weaver, Mina Shippey, Skye Burgos, Ziva Ponciano
Volunteer help is critical to the success of the contest, whether it is with scoring, leading 4-H groups, or helping at one of the stations. Find out how you can help with next year’s event by contacting Elise Cassie at ecassie@ufl.edu.
0
