DATE: 3/28/05

CONTACT/WRITER: Rick Willey, 864-656-3090

EDITOR: Diane Palmer, (864) 656-4741

Reconnect kids with the natural world through the 4-H FACE Program

CLEMSON – How would you like to get your kids away from the TV and video games? The 4-H FACE (Food and Cover Establishment) program is the perfect opportunity to get them involved in a fun and educational program while reconnecting them to the natural world.

The 4-H wildlife habitat enhancement project called 4-H FACE for Wildlife is now accepting entries for 2005. Interested youths ages five to 19 are encouraged to contact their local county Clemson Extension Service 4-H agent for more information and to register. The deadline for registration is April 30.

The program is an annual statewide contest co-sponsored by the Clemson Extension Service's 4-H Program, S.C. Quail Unlimited (QU) and the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which teaches youths on proper techniques of food plot establishment to benefit small game and other wildlife species. The program is beginning its 26th year.

According to Rick Willey, Clemson Extension 4-H natural resources specialist, the program is much more.

"Youth learn first hand about wildlife ecology, wildlife identification, wildlife behavior, and wildlife management,” said Willey. “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. All 4-H programs have teaching life skills as their fundamental objective. The 4-H FACE program is no different.”

All food plots must be planted by June 15. Each contestant is required to keep records in the form of a record book or folder on site preparation, fertilization, wildlife sightings and other observations during the time of plot establishment until mid-August to be eligible for awards.

Beginning in the fall, plots and record books are judged on the county, regional and state levels by DNR wildlife biologists and technicians.

In 2004, 162 4-H members signed-up from 32 counties to participate in the contest, and FACE winners were awarded more than $750 from local Q U chapters.

Seed packets containing an annual seed mixture are furnished free of charge to participating 4-H members by the DNR. In addition, the DNR provides technical assistance in plot preparation, wildlife related resource information, and coordinates the judging of the contest. Clemson Extension Service offers technical assistance and guidance for record book and FACE plot preparation, ribbons for all participants, and awards the choice between a $500 academic scholarship or a trip to 4-H National Congress for the senior state winner. The S.C. Quail Unlimited and local Quail Unlimited chapters provide cash awards and trophies.

Participants need only an interest in wildlife and a willingness to devote some of their spare time to wildlife habitat enhancement to take part in the program.

“This is an excellent opportunity for youths to participate in hands-on wildlife management, learn more about wildlife, and benefit wildlife populations all at the same time,” said Jay Butfiloski, DNR wildlife biologist and statewide FACE coordinator.

“The contest is designed so 4-H members may enter no matter where they live,” Butfiloski said. “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.” Assistance is available in finding 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. Youths participate in three age divisions, and prizes are awarded for each age group. Landowners are asked to protect the food patches from livestock and other disturbance for one year in order to get maximum wildlife benefits.

More information on the 4-H FACE program, including registration form, can be obtained from the web at http://www.clemson.edu/4H/Enviro/face.htm. You may also contact Rick Willey at 864-656-3090 or rwlly@clemson.edu for more information.

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 in FACE.

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