UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — On a brisk afternoon in December, students in a forestry course in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences ventured into a wooded field on the University Park campus, eager to discover woody plant specimens and claim bragging rights in the second annual Dendro Cup competition.
Designed by instructors Eric Burkhart and Calvin Norman, the competition evaluates the expertise gained by students in the morning and afternoon sections of their fall semester field dendrology course. The curriculum focuses on the field identification of both native and introduced trees and shrubs.
With classmates cheering them on, the teams — comprising student volunteers — faced the challenge of identifying 50 plant specimens within an hour. The winning team members earned the honor of having their names etched onto the Dendro Cup trophy, which is on display in the Forest Resources Building’s student lounge.
This year’s champions are Alden Stone, Kayley Henniger, Persephone Adler, Haley Thomas, Derek Lentz, Caleb Hochstuhl and Nathan Johnson.
“The students have not only demonstrated an unwavering commitment to their studies but have also showcased their passion in the field by participating in the Dendro Cup competition,” said Norman, assistant teaching professor of forestry in the college’s Department of Ecosystem Science and Management. “Their hard work and enthusiasm for forestry contribute to their personal growth and inspire others to appreciate and engage with our natural world.”
Having taught the course for two decades, Burkhart has observed the sense of accomplishment that students experience after acquiring the skills and expertise in identifying trees. Burkhart, associate professor of ecosystem science and management, said the Dendro Cup allows students to test their newfound abilities at the semester’s end while fostering fellowship through team competition with their peers.
“The ability to recognize and observe the world around us is a crucial life skill,” Burkhart said. “Paying attention to the intricate details of nature develops top-notch observational skills and fosters an appreciation for the complexities of the natural world. Beyond being a professional skill, tree identification becomes a personal journey of discovery about the wonders of the natural world.”
Burkhart mentioned that despite initial expectations that the course would be tedious, the students soon realized the depth and compelling nature of the material.
“And the Dendro Cup serves as a celebration and acknowledgment of their acquired knowledge and underscores the coolness of nature itself,” he said.
Hailing from Kutztown, Henninger, a forest ecosystem management major, found the camaraderie among her professors and classmates to be the most enjoyable aspect of the course and competition. Describing the group as a close-knit community, she said the experience contributed to her learning and elevated the course to one of her favorites.
“During the semester, I found that I had more fun and learned a lot more when I studied in a group,” said Henninger, who’s minoring in wildlife and fisheries science. “Bouncing off one another to get different perspectives and learn different ways of remembering the Latin and identifiers. Putting this collaboration into practice was very rewarding. It was a good reminder that we all have each other’s backs in the classroom and on the job.”
Looking ahead, Burkhart and Norman are exploring the possibility of developing an intercampus competition, most notably with the faculty and students from the forestry program at Penn State Mont Alto.
“This would help connect the campuses and students,” Burkhart said. “Many Mont Alto students move to University Park for a four-year forestry degree, and this activity can allow students and faculty from both campuses to interact, talk about learning experiences, and compare professional knowledge and preparation.”