Posted: August 17, 2026
Pennsylvania 4-H was one of 15 teams to compete during the annual National 4-H Forestry Invitational, held July 20-23 at West Virginia University Jackson's Mill State 4-H Camp and Conference Center near Weston, West Virginia.
Forestry team and coaches
The invitational serves as the national championship of 4-H forestry, designed to help 4-H members develop an appreciation for the importance of conserving forestland as a source of products, benefits and services necessary for quality living.
While at the invitational, 4-H members competed for overall team and individual awards in several categories. Events included tree identification, tree measurement, compass and pacing, insect and disease identification, topographic map use, forest evaluation, the forestry bowl, and a written forestry exam.
Teams from Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida placed first, second, and third, respectively. Arkansas, Connecticut, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Utah, Virginia and West Virginia also competed in this year's invitational.
The Pennsylvania team members were Anya Brown, of Somerset County; Trevor Fetterman, of Somerset County; Nathan Kennedy, of Indiana County; and Carson Riley, of Huntingdon County. The team coach was Deborah Beisel, supported by assistant coach John Bruner and chaperone Clark Bruner.
"Attending the National 4-H Forestry Invitational was a life-changing experience that challenged me to grow both personally and professionally," Fetterman said. "This experience reinforced my passion for natural resources and gave me the skills, relationships and determination to pursue my future goals with purpose and confidence."
Riley said that competing at the invitational was a great learning experience, thanks to knowledgeable, willing volunteers.
During the event, Beisel was presented with the Tommy and Susan Futral Inspiration of the Invitational Award for her years of service as a 4-H volunteer leader and coach.
This event is sponsored by Farm Credit, West Virginia University Extension Service, Virginia Cooperative Extension, the Association of Natural Resource Extension Professionals and Green Diamond Resource Company.
Administered in Pennsylvania by Penn State Extension, 4-H is a nonformal educational youth-development program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture that helps young people develop knowledge and skills to become capable, caring and contributing citizens. To find your local program, visit the Pennsylvania 4-H website.
