UTIA: Conclave Hosted By University Of Tennessee Forestry Students A Great Success After Two-Year Hiatus

Johnson City TN

11 May, 2022

3:16 PM

Description

Press release from the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture: May 10, 2022 A number of generous donors had already supplied funding, materials, and in-kind support when Conclave had to be canceled in March of 2020. The UT Forestry Club members were able to hang on to those resources over the past two years and put them to good use this year. One hundred and fifty students, 18 faculty advisors, and several sponsors, friends, and family attended the Conclave, which was held at the Clyde York 4-H Center near Crossville, TN. Most of the students attending had never been to a conclave and attendee numbers were down a bit from previous years. The UT team and many others are in a building phase after two years of limited face to face activities and travel. Despite a somewhat smaller crowd, there was no lack of team spirit, good-natured rivalry, and teams willing to cheer each other on. Terry Baker, CEO of the Society of American Foresters, and David Arnold, Tennessee State Forester, were on hand to welcome everyone, and there were multiple opportunities for students to network with forestry professionals, faculty, and peers. Forestry Club officers Carson Parham, Kayla Stuart, Kyle Hanners, Quinn Forney, and advisor Dr. David Buckley were able to make the most of a small UT team in terms of scheduling people to set up the events, serve food in the dining hall, and supply the competition wood, tools, and other items required for each event. Although they were unable to field a full-size team, the UT students competed in as many events as possible. Their strong work ethic and competitive spirit were rewarded when they won the Outstanding Sportsmanship Award. Receiving this award is a special honor as the recipient school is selected by a vote of all the forestry club presidents. After having the chance to experience some of the events this year, the UT students are highly motivated to recruit a full-size team for next year. Stephen F. Austin State University took first place overall, NC State placed second, and Clemson placed third. Louisiana Tech is scheduled to host the 64th ASFC Conclave in 2023. The UT students hope that the momentum gained from hosting this year's Conclave will provide Louisiana Tech with additional traction in promoting and sustaining all the positive energy, teamwork, and traditions associated with this event. Through its land-grant mission of research, teaching and extension, the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture touches lives and provides Real. Life. Solutions. utia.tennessee.edu. This press release was produced by the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. The views expressed here are the author's own.