Win With Wood

By: Laurie T. Thomas and Bobby Ammerman

Department of Forestry and Natural Resources Extension

Win With Wood is natural resource education program and skills competition designed for youth 4^th – 12^th grade to learn about forestry and the primary and secondary wood industry from UK extension, Kentucky Division of Forestry, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources and the Kentucky Forest Industries Association. The annual event is held at the Robinson Center for Appalachian Resource Sustainability.

At the event the students learn about the different skills used in forestry and the wood industry including compass and pacing, tree measurements, native and invasive plants identification, native wildlife identification, forestry equipment and wood identification. The expected outcomes for the students include: a realistic look at the skills needed for the forestry profession, meaningful experiences, and to open doors to the students for career opportunities.

Awards are presented to all participants. Individual participants receive points based upon their answers to the questions in each event. The three participants with the highest number of points scored in each division receive the prestigious Charles Barnhart medallions. The senior with the highest number of points will be awarded the Albert W. Spencer scholarship ($500) sponsored by the Kentucky Forest Industries Association.

In 2018 which was the 10^th consecutive year for this successful event 140 students participated. The students were a mix of FFA and 4-H youth from five counties including Breathitt County (three schools), Carter County, Knott County, Lee County and Perry County.