Sixty students and from 13 different states competed in the National Wildlife Habitat Education Program (WHEP) at the Clyde York 4-H Center in Crossville from July 28–31. Tennessee placed first in the 4-H team competition, and South Carolina took the top spot in the Future Farmers of America (FFA) team competition.
Three to four students made up each 4-H or FFA team. They learned about the area during the Education Day on July 29 at Catoosa Wildlife Management Area. The main competition took place on July 30 at the Bridgestone-Firestone Centennial Wilderness Wildlife Management Area. The teams used their knowledge about wildlife and fisheries habitat management practices to develop a plan for the area. For the individual competition, students identified species based on questions, details, and their calls. Students also went through an oral reasoning section and answered questions about their management plans.
Micah Shaw, representing Tennessee 4-H, earned first place in the individual competition. Gabe Harville, also with Tennessee 4-H, took second place, and Rosa Lingenfelter with Texas 4-H placed third. For FFA, Luke Williams of South Carolina took the top spot. Kenna Alexander of Indiana placed second, and Savannah Griffin of South Carolina placed third.
Virginia took second place and Texas took third place in the 4-H team competition. Indiana placed second and Arkansas placed third in the FFA team competition.
Chris Graves, Extension specialist in the School of Natural Resources, organized the competition. Several other SNR faculty and staff members helped with the competition, including Craig Harper, Lindsey Phillips, Sharon Sexton, Amy Hall, and Katie Donaldson. UT Extension, 4-H staff, and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency also played a major role in the event’s execution. TWRA has been the main sponsor of this program since its inception. Other sponsors include the National Wild Turkey Federation, Turkeys for Tomorrow, Tennessee Farm Bureau, and the USDA Forest Service.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all sponsors and contributors for their unwavering support in making this program impactful and successful,” Graves said.
WHEP began in 1978 under the direction of James L. Byford, Extension wildlife specialist, and Thomas K. Hill, Extension fisheries specialist, at the University of Tennessee. Byford spoke to students during the awards banquet for this year’s competition.
