Forestry

Youth interested in learning about forestry careers and ecology will find many levels of projects in the Pennsylvania 4-H Program. These programs range from making observations at a young level, to solving problems in forestry at an advanced level. These programs are great for youth that are interested in careers in forestry or learning more about their natural environments.

Lets go into the Forest!

Do you like exploring in nature in being in the forest? Pennsylvania 4-H offers a variety of projects to help you learn about forestry, and forest habitats! These projects offer a wide level of educational experiences, and there is something for everyone!

Youth who participate in 4-H outdoors programs develop life skills that include leadership, responsibility, decision making, communicating, planning and organizing, community service, a positive attitude, and a sense of self-worth. The goal of this project is for youth to learn about forest ecosystems and to become more comfortable exploring and learning in an outdoor environment.

Learn about:

  • Forest Ecosystems
  • Wildlife
  • Careers in forestry
  • Economic impacts in forestry
  • Natural Resources

Participant outcomes:

  • Develop skills in observation and problem solving.
  • Become confident and competent with a variety of outdoor equipment
  • Enjoy the outdoors more responsibly
  • Learn the basics forestry and the usefulness of natural resources

Youth interested in forestry can explore careers like:

  • Forestry Technician
  • Department of Conservation of Natural Resources
  • State Park Educator
  • Environmental Educator
  • Forest Landowner
  • Forest business representative

Projects:

Summer Key for Pennsylvania Trees

  • Learn how to identify trees using a dichotomous key.  This introduces youth to a variety of terms that will get them ready for projects in forestry.

Adopt A Tree Album

  • This project will lead youth through a year long observation of a tree that they adopt.  It is the perfect project for younger 4-Hers and can help youth develop strong observation and journaling skills at a young age.

Trees + Me= Forestry

  • Learn the basics of forestry in this beginner level project book. 

Treetops

  • Learn about the importance of all parts of the forest ecosystem and how all parts work together.

Advancing in Forestry

  • This project offers an advanced level of forestry education.  Learn more about careers and special job related tasks that are included in the forestry professions.

Cloverbud Outdoor Opportunity: Nature Start

Body: What’s Nature Start? Nature Start is a new grassroots initiative for youth, sponsored by Pennsylvania 4-H. It is different from anything 4-H has ever done before. Nature Start involves locally-based groups for youth ages 5-10. These may be family, neighborhood, or community based, or they may be preexisting groups from schools, child care centers, homeschoolers, after-school programs and others. Nature Start groups will be organized and facilitated by adult volunteers (“Nature Start Mentors”). Youth involved in these groups will participate in monthly “gatherings” to increase their awareness and knowledge of the natural world, gain interest in spending time outside, and demonstrate improved mental and physical health as a result of spending more time outdoors exploring nature. Nature Start is for all youth, regardless of where they live –- cities, towns, suburbs, and rural areas. There’s a piece of nature in every Pennsylvania community.

The bottom line: Nature Start youth have FUN while connecting with nature.

Explore more programs and events

Pennsylvania State 4-H Office

Pennsylvania State 4-H Office