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Florida 4-H Forest Ecology

Florida 4-H Forest Ecology

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 Ecosystem Slides: TBA

Intermediate Ecosystem Descriptions: TBA

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