4-H Forestry Project

dense, wooded forest with a trail leading through it

Trees are a window to the past and play an important part for the future health of our world. Learn how to read the forest by identifying tree types and species in your area, how to conduct a tree survey and its uses, and the many benefits trees provide for our environment and in our daily lives.

Ages and Stages of Youth Development

Beginners

Beginners learn why trees play an important role in the health of our environment, different forest climates, how people and animals use forests for habitat and resources, and plant parts, functions, and photosynthesis.

Juniors

Learn what trees need to grow, their stages, and challenges such as insects and disease. Other skills include identifying risks such as insect damage, forest fire potential, and estimating the volume of a standing tree and forest density.

Seniors

Seniors can learn methods of insect control, how to conduct a tree survey, available careers in forestry, and how different cultures around the world value and use forests historically and today.

4-H Programming Priorities

Leadership

Conducting a tree survey, teaching a class about tree identification, and volunteering to help with local tree plantings can showcase your leadership skills.

Health & Wellness

Get outside to learn the trees in your area by taking a hike through a national forest or park. Make observations of what grows along a bike path or local park.

Science

Forests exist across different ecosystems, climates, cultures and elevations. Many different insect and animal species depend on forests for shelter and food.

Agriculture

Trees are a renewable resource with high value to many different industries. Learning how to grow and harvest trees can lead to many different careers in Forestry.

Get Involved

two green conversation bubbles

Youth Voice

  • Demonstrate how to identify leaves and common trees
  • Create a community forest map
  • Create a poster or display of leaves you collected
3 green outlines of hands

Community Service

  • Monitor for invasive species or insects
  • Help care for a tree in your community
  • Volunteer to help plant trees in your area
green puzzle pieces

Career Connections

  • Silviculturist
  • Arborist
  • Logger
  • Fuels specialist
  • Parks and recreation
  • Greenhouse owner/manager

Exhibit Ideas

  • Poster: Parts of a tree, pruning techniques, tree farm operations and harvest methods
  • Display: Bark or leaf collection, scrapbook of local trees and their history, how to plant a tree
  • Visit a national forest and create a book to display

Learning Resources

Related Topics

4-H Projects, 4-H Environmental Education & Earth Science Project

Related Content

Youth judging fruits, vegetable and plants

4-H Bounty

4-H Bounty is a monthly club guide that focuses on leadership activities, community service, youth-in-action and specific project areas, as well as prepares youth and their families for county and state events.

The Butte-Lawrence-Jackson 4-H Range team.

South Dakota Teams Perform Well at National Land, Range & Homesite Judging Contest

June 08, 2022

After two years of cancellations, a record attendance of more than 1,000 FFA and 4-H members competed in the National Land, Range, and Homesite Judging contest according to the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts, the contest’s main sponsor.

4-H youth exhibiting a cat to two judges.

South Dakota 4-H Seeks Project Committee Members

October 20, 2021

These committees cover a range in interests, from traditional animal projects and youth-in-action events, to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs.