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    Florida 4-H Forest Ecology

    Florida 4-H Forest Ecology

    4-H youth learn about nature during a talk at a walking trail

    Forest Ecosystems

    Each year, the contest focuses on two ecosystems, on a four-year rotation. The ecosystems for 2025 are Upland Hardwoods and Mangrove Forests.  

    At this station, Juniors and Intermediates will answer multiple-choice questions about each ecosystem. Here is a sample multiple choice question:

    Historically, the dominant trees found in Florida Pine Flatwoods were:

    A. Longleaf pine

    B. Red maple

    C. Pond pine

    D. Live oak

    In addition, Intermediates will be asked multiple choice questions that reference identifying characteristics of the four representative plant species for each ecosystem.

    To prepare, Juniors should read/watch the ecosystem slides for the designated ecosystems. Intermediates should read the description of the designated ecosystems, and also study the website descriptions of the four plant species for each ecosystem.

    Junior Ecosystems Presentation:

    • Ecosystems PDF Version
    • Ecosystems PPT Version

    Intermediate Ecosystems Descriptions:

    • Upland Hardwoods Description
    • Mangrove Forests Description

    Different Ecosystems and Species Found in Each

    Note: Ecosystems for the 2025 Contest are Upland Hardwoods and Mangrove Forests.

    • Bottomland Hardwoods

      Contest Years: 2022, 2026, 2030


      Bottomland Hardwoods

      Common Tree or Shrub Species

      Swamp chestnut oak
      Sweetbay
      Water hickory
      Winged elm

    • Sandhills

      Contest Years: 2022, 2026, 2030


      Sandhills

      Common Tree or Shrub Species

      Bluejack oak
      Sand post oak
      Rusty lyonia
      Woolly pawpaw

    • Freshwater Swamps

      Contest Years: 2024, 2028, 2032


      Freshwater Swamps

      Common Tree or Shrub Species

      Loblolly bay
      Pond cypress
      Swamp tupelo
      Titi

    • Tropical Hammocks

      Contest Years: 2024, 2028, 2032


      Tropical Hammocks

      Common Tree or Shrub Species

      Gumbo-limbo
      Pigeon plum
      Mastic
      Strangler fig

    • Upland Hardwoods

      Contest Years: 2021, 2025, 2029


      Upland Hardwoods

      Common Tree or Shrub Species

      Bluff oak
      Carolina laurelcherry
      Sparkleberry
      Yaupon holly

    • Mangrove Forests

      Contest Years: 2021, 2025, 2029


      Mangrove Forests

      Common Tree or Shrub Species

      Black mangrove
      Buttonwood
      Red mangrove
      White mangrove

    • Sand Pine Scrub

      Contest Years: 2023, 2027, 2031


      Sand Pine Scrub

      Common Tree or Shrub Species

      Chapman oak
      Sand live oak
      Sand pine
      Myrtle oak

    • Pine Flatwoods

      Contest Years: 2023, 2027, 2031


      Pine Flatwoods

      Common Tree or Shrub Species

      Hawthorn
      Gallberry
      Flatwoods plum
      Fetterbush

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    Florida 4-H Forest Ecology
    P.O. Box 110410 Gainesville, FL 32611-0410
    (352) 846-0547

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