Posted: Monday, March 8, 2010 1:13 pm

As more farm and woodland areas are being developed throughout Rutherford County, the need for suitable wildlife habitat has increased.

The Rutherford County 4-H program has developed a contest to address this need and promote hands-on youth conservation efforts. Applications are now being accepted for the annual 4-H F.A.C.E. for Wildlife contest.

F.A.C.E. for Wildlife stands for Food And Cover Establishment for Wildlife. This contest is offered through a partnership between the UT/TSU Cooperative Extension Program and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. The objective is to give youth an opportunity to learn
about wildlife habitat improvement by implementing a habitat management practice that enhances food and cover resources for small game and other wildlife. Rutherford County youth in the 4-12 grades are eligible to participate.

Youth first attend a workshop presented by TWRA biologist Clint Borum where they will learn about selecting a site to plant their food plot. Borum also teaches the youth how to take a soil sample and about preparing the soil according to the results of the test. The participants will learn about the seed mixture that they will be provided.

Youth will plant their seed mixture in May. They will monitor their plot throughout the summer. Each participant is encouraged to take pictures of the plot as it grows and document any signs of animal activity that they notice.

Plots will be examined by the Extension Agent or TWRA Biologist August 2‐12, 2010. Each participant will also turn‐in a display board with pictures and records of their plot to the Extension Office on August 13 for judging. Winners will be announced during the
4‐H Fair, Saturday, August 14, 2010. The county FACE plot winners receive cash prizes

For more information on this contest, contact the Rutherford County Extension Office at (615)898-7710. You may also download a copy of the F.A.C.E. for Wildlife rules and application at: http://rutherford.tennessee.edu