DATE:	        3/8/04
CONTACT/Writer:	Richard D. Willey (864) 656-3090
Editor:         Susan Bedingfield, (864) 656-3876; sbeding@clemson.edu

Extension accepting entries
for wildlife habitat contest

	CLEMSON -- How would you like to reconnect your kids with the 
natural world? 
	A Clemson Extension 4-H Natural Resources Specialist believes 
that's exactly what happens when young people participate in the 4-H 
Food and Cover Establishment (FACE) program.
	The 4-H FACE program is now accepting entries for 2004. 
Interested youths ages 5-19 should contact their county Clemson 
Extension Service 4-H agent/coordinator for more information and to 
register. Deadline for registration is April 1.
	"Youths who are not currently members of 4-H and are interested
in the FACE program will automatically become 4-H members through their
participation," said Richard D. Willey, Extension 4-H natural resources 
specialist, Department of Forest Resources. 
	The FACE program works through 4-H clubs to educate youngsters 
about wildlife habitat needs and encourages the planting of wildlife 
food plots. 
	Youth learn first hand about wildlife ecology, identification, 
behavior and management. They also learn about soil fertility, plant 
identification, hydrology, weather, farming techniques, record keeping,
writing skills, reading skills, art, computer skills, math skills, 
photography and interpreting and producing maps, charts and graphs, 
according to Willey. 
	Seed packets containing an annual seed mixture are furnished 
free from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR).  
Youths participate in three age divisions, and prizes are awarded for 
each age group. The S.C. Quail Unlimited and local Quail Unlimited 
chapters provide cash awards and trophies. 
	In addition, the South Carolina 4-H Program awards a choice 
between a $500 academic scholarship or a trip to 4-H National Congress 
for the senior state winner. 
 	"The contest is designed so 4-H members may enter no matter 
where they live," said Jay Butfiloski, DNR wildlife biologist and 
statewide FACE coordinator. "Participants don't have to live on a farm 
or even in a rural area. Food plots can be planted on the farm of a 
relative or a friend, in a vacant lot or wherever landowner permission 
can be obtained." 
	Individual food plots need only be one-quarter to one-eighth of 
an acre. Assistance is available in finding places to plant food plots 
by contacting the local Clemson Extension Service office or the DNR 
Small Game Project. 
	Each contestant is required to keep detailed records on site 
preparation, fertilization, wildlife sightings and other observations 
to be eligible for awards. 
	4-H FACE is an annual statewide contest jointly sponsored by 
the Clemson University Extension Service 4-H Program, S.C. Quail 
Unlimited and the S.C. Department of Natural Resources.
	For more information contact your local Extension office, or
www.clemson.edu/4H/face.htm. Contact Jay Butfiloski at the Columbia
Department of Natural Resources office at (803) 734-3609. Information
can also be obtained by writing: FACE for Wildlife, DNR, PO BOX 167,
Columbia, S.C. 29202 or www.clemson.edu/4H/face.htm.

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