PDFs

Introduction Pennsylvania 4-H Forestry Judging is an activity (and a 4-H project) designed to teach youth about the fundamentals of forest management. Although it involves a state-level competitive judging event, its primary function is educational. Forest resources management is learned through participation in this activity. Additional benefits come from the development of leadership capabilities, meeting other youth interested in forestry, and interacting with forestry professionals from across the state. For older 4-H’ers (14 years old as of January 1 of the current year) there are also opportunities to travel and compete at the national contest held in West Virginia each year (usually at the end of July). The information found in this handbook is provided for: 1) learning forest management concepts and skills, and 2) preparing participants for the state-level judging event. 4-H’ers should have a familiarity with forestry before under-taking this activity. While Pennsylvania's 4-H Forestry books:Treetop, Trees+Me=Forestry, and Advancing in Forestry provide an excellent background for this project, they are not entirely necessary to compete in this activity. A background in forestry through FFA, Envirothon, or Scouting may be sufficient. The day-long state event is held each spring near State College, PA. Pre-registration with your County Extension Office is required in advance.

Introduction The Pennsylvania 4-H Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Project is a project designed to teach youth about the fundamentals of wildlife management. Although it also includes a state-level competitive judging event (held in April), its primary function is educational. Wildlife biology and natural resources management are learned through participation in this project. Additional benefits come from the development of leadership capabilities, meeting other youth interested in wildlife, and interacting with wildlife professionals from across the state. For older 4-H’ers (14 years old as of January 1 of the current year) there are also opportunities to travel and compete at the national contest held in a different part of the United States each year (usually at the end of July). In this project, youth learn that management for wildlife means management of wildlife habitat and providing for the needs of wildlife. While the information found in this handbook is provided for: 1) learning wildlife habitat management concepts, and 2) preparing participants for the state-level judging event, it is also the basis of the project itself. 4-H’ers should have a familiarity with wildlife before taking this project. The Wildlife Is All Around Us and The Wildlife Ecologist 4-H Books provide an excellent background. The project addresses wildlife concepts and applies them to the four main activities below: Activity I: Identification and Knowledge of Selected Wildlife Species Activity II: Understanding of Wildlife Habitat Activity III: On-Site Recommendation of Wildlife Habitat Managem

Easter Seals and the PA National Guard, with the support of Highmark Blue Shield, are excited to offer our third Project Beacon Weekend Retreat for the children of veteransand current service members. April 13-15

4-H Youth Development programs offer important socialization and learning opportunities for Pennsylvania’s youth. The program’s informal learning environment helps youth develop critical life skills, fosters citizenship, and promotes leadership.