Baxter County team to represent Arkansas at National 4-H Forestry Invitational
July 17, 2026
By Traci Rushing
University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture
(578 words)
Download a team photo
LITTLE ROCK — A team of Baxter County 4-H members will showcase all they’ve learned about forestry and natural resource management next week at the National 4-H Forestry Invitational, the premier forestry competition for 4-H youth in the United States.
Baxter County team members Mariah Stout, Danny Reeves, Kayden Wright, Karter Harris and Jaxon Biggerstaff will represent Arkansas at the competition, taking place July 19-23 at Jackson’s Mill State 4-H Conference Center in Weston, West Virginia. The annual event brings together top teams from across the country to compete in forestry-focused events and educational activities.
“I’m excited that our team has the opportunity to compete at the National 4-H Forestry Invitational this summer, especially in only our second year of competing,” said 4-H volunteer Chris Wright, who coaches the team. “Two members joined the team this year, and they’ve worked incredibly hard to learn the many disciplines involved in these forestry contests. I’m extremely proud of their dedication and know they will represent our state well.”
The team left today for Weston, West Virginia. On Saturday, they’ll visit the Arboretum on the University of Kentucky in Lexington campus.
“We’ll be meeting with a tree specialist there to get a little more practice in before nationals,” Baxter County extension staff chair Amanda Rychtarik said. “They have more hardwoods than we do.” On the way back, the team will stop at the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory to see where the iconic wooden bats are made, Rychtarik said.
The Baxter County team earned a spot at nationals after competing in June at the Arkansas 4-H Forestry Contest. They finished second in the senior division for ages 14-18. The first-place team from Ouachita County declined the invitation due to prior commitments.
“I look for them to do well at nationals,” Rychtarik said. “They have put in a ton of practice.”
The Arkansas 4-H Forestry Contest challenges participants in a variety of forestry and natural resource management disciplines, including tree identification, forest management, forestry measurements and related ecological concepts. Through the contest, students develop practical skills and a deeper understanding of sustainable forest stewardship.
“The contest is an excellent opportunity for youth to compete in the various discipline areas of forestry,” said Jaret Rushing, forestry instructor for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture and coordinator for the state forestry competition. “Through the contest, we introduce youth to forestry-related academics while promoting stewardship, conservation and management practices that help grow the future of the forestry profession.”
State Winners
The state 4-H forestry contest took place in June at the University of Arkansas at Monticello.
Ouachita County’s senior team of Sarah Spicer, Sawyer Thompson, KB Turner, and Kiley Vick earned first place overall in the state contest. High-point individual honors were awarded to Ouachita County competitors Gavin Abbott, first; Sawyer Thompson, second; and Kiley Vick, third.
The Sevier County team of Trevor Davignon, John Moe, Chip Stamps and Ty Wagner finished third.
In the junior division, the first-place team included Westin Clanton, Jase Thomas, Avery Ledbetter and Kayden Allred from Bradley County. The second-place team from Arkansas County included Liam Doepel, Will Edmondson and Cooper Jones. Montgomery County earned third place with team member Robert Samons.
Junior division high-point individual honors were awarded to:
- First Place: Cooper Jones, Arkansas County
- Second Place: Robert Samons, Montgomery County
- Third Place: Westin Clanton, Bradley County
For more information about 4-H or forestry competitions, visit the Arkansas 4-H forestry contest website or contact your local county extension office.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 22 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on three campuses.
Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.
About the College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources and the Arkansas Forest Resources Center
The College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources, and the Arkansas Forest Resources Center, a University of Arkansas System Center of Excellence, brings together interdisciplinary expertise through a partnership between the University of Arkansas at Monticello and the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. The College and Center are headquartered at the University of Arkansas at Monticello campus, but their programs range statewide with the mission of developing and delivering teaching, research, and extension programs that enhance and ensure the sustainability and productivity of forest-based natural resources and agricultural systems. Academic programs are delivered by the College of Forestry, Agriculture, and Natural Resources through the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Through the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, research is administered by the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, and extension and outreach activities are coordinated by the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service.
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Media Contact:
Traci Rushing
UAM College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources
trushing@uada.edu
870-460-1852