By Traci Rushing
U of A System Division of Agriculture – UAM College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources

MONTICELLO, Ark. — The UAM Forestry Club demonstrated exceptional skill and teamwork at the Lake Striker Axe Days competition in Texas on Nov. 2, securing a 2nd place overall finish.

Forestry colleges across the West Gulf gathered to compete in both physical and technical events hosted by the Sylvans, the forestry club and timber sports team at Stephen F. Austin University. For participating teams, the competition serves as an opportunity to bond as a club, network with other clubs across the region and practice for the Association of Southern Forestry Clubs Annual Conclave.

SAWING AWAY — Competitors in the log sawing competition. (UAM photo)

Nine UAM Forestry Club students, led by Laura Sims, traveled to the competition to compete in both technical and physical events. Technical events are designed to test the competitor’s knowledge and expertise in the field of forestry, while the physical events date back to the 19th century when lumberjacks would have friendly competitions outside of working hours to pass the time on a job site.

The UAM team’s impressive performance with technical events highlights the strength of the UAM forestry program and the hard work and discipline of its students. Team members Evan Beaver and Corbin Armon excelled in the wood identification and DBH estimation competitions leading the club to tie for 1st place in the technical events category.

“This group of students demonstrated a great attitude and showed enthusiasm in every event. Their success is a testament to the College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources’ commitment to forestry education and its dedication to training students in both the technical and practical aspects of the discipline,” said Sims.

“I’m proud of our forestry club; they have a great dynamic together and with their peers at other forestry programs around the Southeast,” said Michael Blazier, dean of the College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources and director of the Arkansas Forest Resource Center. “Their strong showing at this event is a testament to their work ethic and the guidance they get from their advisors and volunteers who help them. I’m also happy that Dr. Sims, who is director of our new Arkansas Forest Health Research Center, is as passionate about student success as she is her research program.”

Lake Striker Axe Days is held in preparation for the Association of Southern Forestry Clubs’ 66th Annual Conclave which will be hosted by Alabama A&M University in March of 2025 at Huntsville, Alabama. The 67th Annual Conclave will be hosted in Monticello by the UAM Forestry Club in March of 2026.

The mission of the UAM Forestry Club is to educate others about natural resources, support the community, and provide students in natural resources with a welcoming group for assistance and friendship. For more information on the UAM Forestry Club and the forestry program, visit the College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources’ website.