For many years our district has hosted a Soils and Forestry Contest at the Ed Hambach Farm and Little Lost Creek State Forest near Pendleton. NRCS Soil Scientists judge the pits. The students identify properties of the soil, site characteristics and have to assess the suitability of the soil for ponds, basements, lagoons and sewage fields. The forestry portion of the contest is supervised by MDC Forestry office in Warrenton. Students identify different types of trees, know how to inventory for improving timberstand, identify different types of tools used in the timber industry and know how to figure board feet in tree for timber sales.
About 8-10 high schools participate in the contest with key chains given to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place individual winners in each category and plaques given to team winners in each category.
This project is funded through the district's local funds and the 1/10th of 1% Parks and Soils Tax.
