Kentucky was one of twelve states that competed in the 43nd annual National 4-H Forestry Invitational from Sunday, July 23 through Wednesday, July 26. Teams from Florida, Pennsylvania, and Georgia placed first, second and third, respectively.  Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Utah also competed in this year’s Invitational. 

The invitational was held at West Virginia University Jackson’s Mill State 4-H Camp and Conference Center near Weston, West Virginia. The event is sponsored by Farm Credit, Sustainable Forestry Initiative, Inc., West Virginia University Extension Service, F and W Forestry, and the Society of American Foresters.

While at the Invitational 4-H members competed for overall team and individual awards in several categories. Events included tree identification, tree measurement, compass and pacing, insect and disease identification, topographic map use, forest evaluation, the forestry bowl, and a written forestry exam.

The Kentucky team members were Ben Falk, Hannah Falk, Nevaeh Kouns, and Kolton Zimmerman.  The team coach was Rebecca Hayes.

The second-place individual was Kolton Zimmerman from Fayette County, Kentucky.

The Joe Yeager “Spirit of the Invitational” award was presented to Nevaeh Kouns from Carter County, Kentucky.  This award recognizes an outstanding 4-H contestant at the Invitational. It is presented to the individual who takes initiative, is enthusiastic, and is eager to lead academic and social situations.