The University of Arkansas at Monticello Forestry Club will host the Tall Pines Timber Challenge on Saturday, September 12, at the Bradley County Fairgrounds as part of the Bradley County Fair.

Designed as a fun, family-friendly introduction to forestry and timbersports, the Tall Pines Timber Challenge will give members of the public an opportunity to learn about forestry skills and traditions while participating in a friendly competition. Participants of all experience levels are encouraged to join in, and the emphasis is on having fun and trying something new.

The event will have divisions for both youth and adults. 

A youth division will begin at 10 a.m. and is open to participants ages 10 through high school seniors. Youth competitors will test their forestry knowledge and skills in events including tree identification, forestry equipment identification, compass and pacing and a tree cookie toss.

The adult division, open to participants ages 18 and older, will begin at 1 p.m. and will feature traditional timbersports events such as crosscut sawing, axe throwing, Jack and Jill, and more.

No experience is necessary to participate. UAM Forestry Club students will demonstrate the events throughout the competition and help participants learn how each event works. For events requiring a partner, Forestry Club members will also be available to team up with participants who need a partner.

“The Tall Pines Timber Challenge is really about having fun, learning something new and sharing the traditions of forestry with our community,” said David Coussens, president of the UAM Forestry Club. “You don’t have to be an experienced competitor to participate. We want people to come out, give it a try and enjoy the day with us.”

Dr. Laura Sims, advisor of the UAM Forestry Club, said the event also provides an opportunity for the public to gain a better understanding of the skills and traditions associated with forestry.

“Timbersports are a great way to connect people with the history and skills of forestry,” Sims said. “Our students are excited to demonstrate these skills and introduce people to the different aspects of the profession in a fun, hands-on way. Whether you’re competing, watching or simply curious about forestry, we hope you’ll come out and join us.”

Entry into the Tall Pines Timber Challenge is donation-based, and children can participate free of charge. Donations are not required, but are encouraged, with all donations benefiting Log A Load For Kids, a program that supports Arkansas Children’s Hospital. The Arkansas Forestry Association sponsors the program in collaboration with the Arkansas Timber Producers Association. 

The Tall Pines Timber Challenge is part of the Bradley County Fair and will provide a day of friendly competition, demonstrations and community fun while supporting a worthy cause.

For more information about the Tall Pines Timber Challenge, contact Sims at simsl@uamont.edu.

About the College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources and the Arkansas Forest Resources Center

The College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources, and the Arkansas Forest Resources Center, a University of Arkansas System Center of Excellence, brings together interdisciplinary expertise through a partnership between the University of Arkansas at Monticello and the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. The College and Center are headquartered at the University of Arkansas at Monticello campus, but their programs range statewide with the mission of developing and delivering teaching, research, and extension programs that enhance and ensure the sustainability and productivity of forest-based natural resources and agricultural systems. Academic programs are delivered by the College of Forestry, Agriculture, and Natural Resources through the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Through the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, research is administered by the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, and extension and outreach activities are coordinated by the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service.

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