Forest Resources and Wood Science Senior Project Guide

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Georgia 4-H Project Achievement empowers young people with skills for a lifetime. Through a competitive process, students explore their interests, unleash their creativity, share their work, and celebrate their achievements! This guide provides 9th – 12th graders with examples for getting started with their project exploration.

Overview of Project Achievement Process

1) Choose project
2) Develop skills in leadership and service
3) Prepare portfolio for work completed from January 1 – December 31
4) Prepare presentation
5) Practice
6) Compete
7) Reflect

Description of Forest Resources and Wood Science Project

4-H’ers may explore the science of managing, using, conserving, and repairing forests and associated resources. Through this project 4-H’ers may:

• understand and appreciate the fiber products of the forest
• identify trees and understand their environmental and economic value
• acquire knowledge and develop skills in the selection and use of various types of wood and wood products
• acquire knowledge and develop skills in the selection, care, and safe use of woodworking tools and machines
• learn of environmental protection and the wise use of natural resources
• understand the business and economics of forestry and forest products
• appreciate the importance of woodlands as a source of income, raw materials, and enjoyment necessary for quality living
• identify methods for forestry management and conservation
• practice appropriate and beneficial forestry practices
• explore career opportunities related to forestry

Examples of Project Development Experiences

• Examine growth rings on tree stumps in newly cut timberlands to see how trees grow
• Learn to identify common Georgia tree species
• Safely use woodworking tools to build wood projects
• Attend a forestry day camp and compete in the Georgia 4-H Forestry Field Day
• Interview a Georgia Forestry Commission Forester and/or shadow a Park Ranger for a day
• Learn how Georgia Forestry Commission personnel protect timberlands from wild fires
• Visit an arboretum and/or national forest to learn about forestry management and conservation

Project Sharing and Helping Examples

• Lead a club to plant trees
• Organize a talk with a local logger and allow your group to learn about harvesting, equipment, and forest products
• Mentor younger 4-H’ers on the 4-H Forestry Judging Team
• Share what you have learned in the Forest Resources and Wood Science project with club members, school classes, and civic clubs
• Enter a forestry-related mini-booth or woodworking project as an exhibit at a fair
• Start a Forest Resources and Wood Science project club. Contact your local Extension Agent to discuss your plans
• Collaborate with elementary schools to describe forestry values in your community (i.e., aesthetics, wildlife habitat, air/water quality, wood products, economic impact, etc.)
• Distribute forestry and wood science materials at school and/or within the community
• Organize a group tour at a local arboretum or national forest
• Mentor a younger 4-H’er in the Forest Resources and Wood Science project

Special Considerations

• Please use best safety practices when handling tools.
• Be sure to gain land owner permission prior to entering someone else’s property.
• Give plenty of notice for any mentoring requests.
• Ask permission before photographing, taping, or quoting someone.
• Be respectful when shadowing professionals and always follow safety instructions.
• Live animals/insects and weapons are not permitted in the project.

Recommended Resources

• Georgia4h.org/ProjectAchievement
• Georgia4h.org/Forestry
• Warnell.uga.edu
• forestfoundation.org
• fs.usda.gov
• gatrees.org
• gfagrow.org
• Popularwoodworking.com

At Competition

Forest and Wood Science 4-H projects may use posters, artifacts, biofacts, and/or technology to support their presentation. The time limit for these presentations is 12 minutes.

Computers, projectors, screens, and other technological devices may be used.

Prepared by: Craven Hudson, Keri Hobbs, Mandy Marable, Taylor Madgett, and Gabrielle Buono
Reviewed by: Jenna Daniel and Jason Estep