Forestry projects take youth on a journey from learning about different types of trees and tree parts, to what it takes to maintain a healthy forest on a local and global level.
Objectives
Youth will:
- Respect and protect the forest environment
- Learn to be a steward of our forests
- Learn the basics of forest management
- Learn the use of forest products
- Explore forestry-related careers
4-H Forestry Curriculum
Available from the Extension office or online.
Youth explore different types of trees and tree parts, characteristics of different forests, what forests need to grow and thrive and the different products people get from trees and forests.
Youth take a closer look at the inner-workings of trees, explore forest change, learn about forest health concerns and discover the health benefits trees have on people.
Level 3: Explore the Deep Woods
Youth examine and distinguish different types of trees, look at forests on a global scale, learn to care for trees and think about how to conserve forests.
The Helper’s Guide provides useful forest information, group youth activities and practical tips for volunteers. Using this curriculum, youth develop a life-long appreciation for forests and have loads of fun in the process.
Washington 4-H Records, Forms, and Guides
For youth members
Coming soon!
For adult helpers and club leaders
Coming soon!
Helpful Resources
Activity Ideas
National 4-H Forestry Invitational
The National 4-H Forestry Invitational is the national championship of 4-H forestry! Each year, since 1980, teams of 4-H foresters from all over the United States have come to Jackson’s Mill State 4-H Conference Center at Weston, WV, to meet, compete, and have fun!
National 4-H Forestry Invitational Training Materials and References
National 4-H Forestry Invitational Forestry Manuals
Leaves – University of Minnesota Extension
In this 4-H club meeting, youth learn why leaves change colors.
Washington Specific Reference Material
Washington State University Extension Forestry Program
The WSU Extension Forestry program provides objective, research-based education and resources for owners of forested property as well as the general public.
National Association of State Foresters: Washington
From the Pacific Ocean, across the crest of the Cascade Mountains and into the dry interior, over half of Washington’s total land area is forested. Washington’s Forest Action Plan highlights six major issues confronting our diverse forests: working forestlands and conversion; water quality, quantity and Puget Sound restoration; biodiversity and habitat conservation; forest health restoration; wildfire hazard reduction; and urban/community forests.
Washington Forest Protection Association: Sustainable Forestry
In the state of Washington, there are approximately 22 million acres of forestland, with around 4 million acres privately owned and managed by member companies of the Washington Forest Protection Association (WFPA). These privately owned forests are known as “working forests” because they continuously supply the raw materials for various wood, paper, and pulp products that are in constant demand. Nearly 70% of the timber harvested in Washington State comes from these privately owned forests, making Washington the second-largest lumber producer in the nation and supporting over 101,000 jobs in the state.
Washington State Department of Natural Resources: Forest and Trust Lands
Other Reference Material
From 4-H Programs
Tennessee 4-H Forestry Project
Tennessee 4-H includes several resources for clubs that might be helpful for other 4-H clubs to adapt to their state’s project needs, including resource material, activity sheets, lesson plans, project ideas, and project documentation.
Introductory Forestry Tree Diagram
From Purdue University Extension
From Higher Education Institutions
How to Identify Trees – Iowa State University Extension (YouTube playlist)
A series of videos on how to use bark, buds, fruit, leaves, and twigs to identify trees.
From the Woods Today #2 – Tree Pruning Basics – University of Kentucky (YouTube video)
In episode 2 of From the Woods Today, we talk with Eric Gracey, Management Forester, UK Forestry and Natural Resources about tree pruning basics. We also talk with Laurie Thomas about flowering dogwood and Dr. Matt Springer about snake ID!
From The Woods Today #3: Earth Day Special – University of Kentucky (YouTube video)
In this Episode of From The Woods Today you will learn about Earth Day, Tree Planting, Arbor Day, and the Adopt-A-Tree program.
Tree Grafting – From The Woods Today – Episode 6 -University of Kentucky (YouTube video)
In this episode of From the Woods Today Dr. Laura DeWald teaches you about grafting trees, a segment on frost damage, tree of the week and Birding in the Bluegrass.
Beginner Maple Syrup Producer Tutorial – University of Kentucky (YouTube video)
Zach Hackworth presents a sap collection guide for beginning maple syrup producers.
From Related Organizations, Journals, and Professionals
USDA Forest Service: Educators and Parents Resources
This page includes coloring pages, publications, and other reference material that may be helpful to leaders and parents.
Links to kid-friendly resources on forests and ecology. If you think nostalgically about Smokey the Bear, you’ll find him here, too!
Nature Lab: Intro to Forests – The Wild Center (video)
Hit the trails with naturalist Morgan to get an introduction to forests while hiking through the Adirondacks. Then, head back inside with Michael to learn how to explore forests either in your own backyard, or from the comfort of your home using the SOS Explorer app on a a smartphone or tablet. Do forests look the same now as they do during other seasons? How have they changed or stayed the same?
Nature Lab: Tree Defenses – The Wild Center (video)
Nature Lab: Tree Ecosystem – The Wild Center (video)
Looking for something to observe? How about taking a look at some trees near The Wild Center? Or visit our live cams page to get different views around The Wild Center and the Adirondacks.
Nature Lab: Forest Detectives – The Wild Center (video)
Ready to be a forest detective? Hit the trail with Kayleigh to learn some common clues you can use to identify trees whether you’re at The Wild Center or in your own community!
Note that this video does refer to the ecosystem in the Adirondacks, but the concepts are applicable to other areas as well, as does the linked activity.
- Penn State Forestry Resources
Penn State Extension’s Future Forest Steward Program
While this program’s site references Pennsylvania forests, the youth guide and facilitator’s guide could easily be adapted for other states and general forestry studies and projects.
Forestry/Natural Resource Lesson Plans (K-5)
Forestry/Natural Resource Lesson Plans (6-8)
Forestry/Natural Resource Lesson Plans (9-12)
From the Woods is a publication series educating middle and high school youth about natural resources including forestry, wildlife, and water.
- Kits, Projects, and Activities from National 4-H
National 4-H Natural Resources and Environmental Education Curriculum Collection
National 4-H Environmental Education Curriculum Collection
Camp Grant Walker Forestry Camp Kit
The National 4-H Council is proud to partner with the Louisiana 4-H Youth Development Program in bringing The Camp Grant Walker 4-H Youth Academy’s “Camp-in-a-Box” program nationwide! Camp-in-a-Box provides youth with a custom packaged box set of themed supplies, lessons, and activities.
This box includes a guidebook, materials and activities that will lead youth through five lessons related to forestry. The supplies in this kit allow youth to get outdoors to observe and learn more about their environment.