Members of the Dawson County 4-H club recently competed at an area Forestry Judging Contest at Wahsega 4-H Center in Lumpkin County.

Team members included high school students Taylor Thompson and Autumn Callahan, middle school students David Goswick and Jason Redd. 

Contestants had to identify tree, insect and disease specimens plus measure the volume of trees. 

Junior 4-H members (seventh and eighth graders) also had to determine distance over a course using their steps.

High school students walked a series of given points using a compass.

Callahan and Thompson did well with the compass and pacing section.  Both scored near perfect. 

Goswick scored a near perfect estimation on tree volume.

The contest is one of the judging events offered through the 4-H program.

Participants gain experiences learning to study, using practical skills and how to work with others.

The next judging contest is set for November; practices will begin in October.

4-H is open to any child between the ages of 9 and 19. Being a 4-H member is free.

For more information about the program, contact the Dawson County Extension Service at (706) 265-2442.