DATE: March 24, 2008
CONTACT:
Rick Willey, (864) 656-3090
rwlly@clemson.edu
WRITER:
Diane Palmer, (864) 656-4741
spalmer@clemson.edu
Wildlife food plot contest accepting entries for 2008
CLEMSON — 4-H FACE for Wildlife Project is now accepting entries for 2008 for youths 5-19 years old.
Registration cost is $5.
“Interested youths should contact their local Clemson Extension Service 4-H agent by April 18,” said Rick Willey, Clemson extension 4-H natural resource specialist and 4-H FACE coordinator.
The FACE (Food and Cover Establishment) for Wildlife program works through 4-H clubs to educate young people about wildlife habitat needs and encourages the planting of wildlife food plots.
The project is sponsored by Clemson Extension, S.C. Quail Unlimited and the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
All food plots must be planted between May 15 and June 15. Junior contestants, 9-13 years old, and senior contestants, 14-19 years old, must complete a record book in order to compete for scholarships and cash awards. Cloverbuds, 5-8 years old, just have to complete a short record sheet to receive a recognition certificate and ribbon.
Seed packets containing an annual seed mixture are furnished by DNR. Clemson extension 4-H coordinators are responsible for conducting sign-ups and offering guidance to participants. S.C. Quail Unlimited and local Quail Unlimited chapters provide cash awards and trophies for junior and senior age-division winners.
Participants need only have an interest in wildlife and a willingness to devote some of their spare time to wildlife habitat enhancement to take part in the program, according to Willey.
Each contestant is encouraged to keep detailed records on site preparation, fertilization, wildlife sightings and other observations.
Assistance is available to find places to plant food plots by contacting the local Clemson Extension Service office or the DNR Small Game Project. Individual food plots need only be one-quarter to one-eighth of an acre in size.
The South Carolina 4-H Youth Development Program is part of a national system that teaches young people leadership, citizenship and life skills. 4-H uses a learn-by-doing approach, the involvement of caring adults and the knowledge and resources of Clemson University and the nation’s land-grant university system to empower young people to become healthy, productive and contributing members of society. These programs are especially needed in South Carolina.
For more information, contact Willey at (864) 656-3090 or be e-mail at rwlly@clemson.edu, or visit the Web site http://www.clemson.edu/4H/kids_and_families/program_areas/natural_resources/wildlife_events.html.
Young people who are not 4-H members and are interested in the FACE program will automatically become 4-H members through their participation.
END