OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The Marion County 4-H team won the National Forestry Invitational Competition July 26 in West Virginia.
The National 4-H Forestry Invitational is the national championship of 4-H forestry, and every year since 1980, teams of 4-H foresters from throughout the United States head to Weston, West Virginia, to meet and compete.
Marion County’s 4-Hers competed in multiple segments of the industry over three full days. The commitment and dedication from the 4-Hers and club volunteers brought Marion County’s programs to the top rankings.
“We’re grateful for our local partnerships that helped our teams, such as the University of Florida’s School of Forest, Fisheries, & Geomatics Sciences,” said Lynn Nobles, director of UF/IFAS Marion County Extension Services.
Marion County 4-H is a local branch of the national organization focused on youth development and education founded in 1902. The 4-H mission is to create supportive environments for youth ages 5-18 to reach their fullest potential.
The Florida 4-H reports higher levels of academic competence, better grades, and elevated levels of engagement at schools for their membership of more than 220,000 youth, including those of the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
Marion County hosts nearly 40 clubs, which benefit students through programs in leadership, citizenship, agriculture, and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education.
For more information on membership or upcoming programs and competitions, contact Marion County’s 4-H office at 352-671-8404 or visit https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/marion/marion-county-4-h/.
Learn more about this competition here: https://4hforestryinvitational.org/