Arkansas 4-H State Forestry Competition hosted at UAM showcases youth talent, forestry skills
From identifying trees to navigating with a compass, 28 competitors from eight Arkansas counties put their forestry knowledge and skills to the test while gaining real-world insight into the forestry profession.
By Traci Rushing
U of A System Division of Agriculture – UAM College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural
Resources
May 15, 2025
Fast Fact:
- Youth from Montgomery County 4-H claim top spot in State 4-H Forestry Competition
- Montgomery County team to represent Arkansas at the national forestry invitation
- Competition gives participants opportunity to explore the forestry profession
MONTICELLO, Ark. — A Montgomery County team is headed for a national competition in July after winning the Arkansas 4-H State Forestry Competition hosted by the University of Arkansas at Monticello.
From identifying trees to navigating with a compass, 28 competitors from eight Arkansas counties put their forestry knowledge and skills to the test while gaining real-world insight into the forestry profession.
Montgomery County’s senior team claimed first place in the competition. Coached by 4-H volunteer Ty Huitt, the winning team consisted of Nathaniel Huitt, Eli McDowell, Ariel Murphy and Opal Samons. With their victory, the team secured the opportunity to represent Arkansas at the National 4-H Forestry Invitational, scheduled for July 20–24 at the Jackson’s Mill State 4-H Conference Center in Weston, West Virginia.
Individual senior accolades also highlighted Montgomery County’s success, with Nathaniel Huitt earning first place high-point individual and teammate Eli McDowell taking third. Bella Barkhimer from Ouachita County secured second place.
For the junior division, Robert Samons of Montgomery County received first place,
Evan Martin of Faulkner County earned second place and Finley White of White County
took third place.
Participants competed in a range of forestry-related events, including tree identification,
volume determination, forest pest and disease identification, compass and traverse
and took a forestry quiz to test their knowledge on the field. These activities mirror
real-world skills essential to the forestry profession.
“Participating in the contest was a great experience,” said Noah Totty, a competitor from Ouachita County who plans to attend UAM to study forestry and geographic information systems. “I enjoyed learning more about the campus and the forestry field. The contest gave me a chance to explore forestry by completing tasks that real foresters perform every day.”
The competition was organized by Jaret Rushing, an extension forestry instructor with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
“Participation increases every year, and it’s great to see growing interest in natural resources,” said Rushing. “I enjoy working with the next generation of foresters—many of whom will go on to play vital roles in managing our forests and protecting natural ecosystems. Events like this are key to sparking a lifelong passion for forestry and conservation.”
The Arkansas 4-H State Forestry Competition not only highlights the dedication and talent of Arkansas youth but also reinforces the importance of forestry education and career exploration in natural resources.
About the College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources and the Arkansas Forest Resources Center
The College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources, and the Arkansas Forest Resources Center, a University of Arkansas System Center of Excellence, brings together interdisciplinary expertise through a partnership between the University of Arkansas at Monticello and the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. The College and Center are headquartered at the University of Arkansas at Monticello campus, but their programs range statewide with the mission of developing and delivering teaching, research, and extension programs that enhance and ensure the sustainability and productivity of forest-based natural resources and agricultural systems. Academic programs are delivered by the College of Forestry, Agriculture, and Natural Resources through the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Through the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, research is administered by the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, and extension and outreach activities are coordinated by the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service.
Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.
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Media contact: Traci Rushing
trushing@uada.edu