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WHEP 4-H team takes
third in national contest
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Members of
the N.C. 4-H WHEP team pose with the state flag. Pictured, from
left, are coach Cindy Hyde, team members Lory McCraw, Katie McCraw,
James Hyde, Doug Edwards and coach Deanna McCraw.
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Henderson County 4-H'ers placed third at the national competition of the Wildlife Habitat Evaluation National Invitational, held last month at Virginia Polytechnic Insititute and State University.
In the national contest, the North Carolina team placed first with their urban management plan, and third with their rural plan. Overall, the team won third place, the highest ever for a North Carolina team. Team member Katie McCraw placed tenth as an individual in the Aerial Photographs portion of the contest.
Henderson County 4-H's wildlife team won first place in the state contest in April. Team members were: Lory and Katie McCraw and James Hyde. They added a fourth member, Doug Edwards from Anson County, for the national competition. Coaches, and parents Deanna McCraw and Cindy Hyde, worked with the team to prepare them for the national contest.
The participants visited Jefferson National Forest to prepare for the contest, which has several parts: Identifying wildlife food, and which animals eat it; ranking wildlife habitat for suitability for specific species; and making habitat management recommendations for selected species on a specific site.
The second day, participants chose activities like caving, canoeing and range shooting. Because students can only compete in the national competition once, these 4-H'ers plan to help coach the junior team for future competition.
The purpose of the Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program is to encourage youth to learn about wildlife and fisheries habitat management. Participants learn the science of wildlife management and gain skills in oral and written communication, critical thinking, and decision making, while participating in an activity that encourages observation of detail.
They also develop leadership skills and learn about sportsmanship and working together as a team. The ultimate goal of the Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program is to teach young people to be wise stewards of our wildlife and fisheries resources.
Chris Moorman, wildlife Extension specialist in Cooperative Extension Forestry, and Renee Strnad, environmental educator for Cooperative Extension Forestry, both at N.C. State University, run the state WHEP program. State sponsors include the North Carolina State Council of Quail Unlimited and individual chapters.
--R. Strnad
