Can you tell the difference between a sweetgum, a sugar maple, and a sassafras tree? How about identifying fall webworm, emerald ash borer, or dogwood anthracnose? Fourteen Smith County 4-H’ers recently learned these things and more as they practiced for and competed in the Central Region 4-H Forestry Judging Contest held at Cedars of Lebanon State Park on Thursday, August 28, 2025.
We are extremely proud of our 4-H’ers, especially since Smith County 4-H had the 1st Place Team in all three divisions: Junior (4th & 5th Grade), Junior High (6th, 7th, & 8th Grade), and Senior High (9th-12th Grade). I would certainly describe that as a tree-mendous day of competition!
Not only did Smith County come away with team awards, but many of our competitors were also recognized as Top 10 Individuals in their respective divisions.
Our Junior Team was made up of Peter Chartier (7th Place), J Allen Kemp (3rd Place), and Christina Wilson (4th Place).
Our Junior High Team A was made up of Luke Chartier (6th Place), Josie Harville (1st Place), McCall Kemp (4th Place), and Kyler Yerge (2nd Place).
Our Junior High Team B placed 2nd in their division and was made up of Titus Chartier (10th Place), Evie Wilson (7th Place), and Katie Wilson (11th Place).
Our Senior High Team was made up of Tana Harville (2nd Place), Turner Harville (1st Place), Avery O’Brien (4th Place), and Bradley Yerge (3rd Place). These students will get the chance to compete at the State 4-H Forestry Judging Contest in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, in October.
During the 4-H Forestry Judging competition, 4-H’ers are asked to correctly identify 20 different species of trees, 10 common insects or examples of their damage, and 10 diseases that can affect trees and the health of our forests. Competitors are also required to measure trees using a Biltmore stick, accurately estimate distances by pacing, and know how to use a compass. Our 4-H’ers have put in a lot of hard work over the past month to learn all the parts of the contest, and it definitely paid off!
Congratulations to everyone! Special thanks to 4-H Alumni Carson Meeks and former National 4-H Forestry Judging competitors Easton Bibbings, Emmy Bibbings, and Owen Meeks for
helping coach our teams this year! We love seeing these kids get excited about outdoor education!
If you would like to learn more about the 4-H Forestry Judging program or any of the many exciting opportunities that 4-H can offer our local youth, please contact Rachel Petty at 615-735-2900 or [email protected].
Submitted by Rachel Petty, UT Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development
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