Multiscale perspectives of fire, climate and humans in western North America and the Jemez Mountains, USA

Interannual climate variations have been important drivers of wildfire occurrence in ponderosa pine forests across western North America for at least 400 years, but at finer scales of mountain ranges and landscapes human land uses sometimes over-rode climate influences. We reconstruct and analyse effects of high human population densities in forests of the Jemez Mountains, New Mexico from ca 1300 CE to Present. Prior to the 1680 Pueblo Revolt, human land uses reduced the occurrence of widespread fires while simultaneously adding more ignitions resulting in many small-extent fires. During the 18th and 19th centuries, wet/dry oscillations and their effects on fuels dynamics controlled widespread fire occurrence. In the late 19th century, intensive livestock grazing disrupted fuels continuity and fire spread and then active fire suppression maintained the absence of widespread surface fires during most of the 20th century. The abundance and continuity of fuels is the most important controlling variable in fire regimes of these semi-arid forests. Reduction of widespread fires owing to reduction of fuel continuity emerges as a hallmark of extensive human impacts on past forests and fire regimes. This article is part of the themed issue ‘The interaction of fire and mankind’

Terminus Ante Quem Constraint of Pueblo Occupation Periods in the Jemez Province, New Mexico

Using dendroecological and archaeological methods and data we investigated the temporal dynamics of forest regeneration and fire history following depopulation of four large Pueblo IV period (1300-1600) villages on the Jemez Plateau, New Mexico. With tree rings we reconstructed the timing of reforestation on village footprints after depopulation–a novel approach to terminus ante quem dating of site occupation. Our tree-ring based forest age structure and fire history chronologies enabled us to reduce by 51 to 70 years the range of previous estimates of village depopulation dates derived primarily from terminal ceramic assemblages. One of the four village sites we investigated was depopulated in 1696, two were depopulated between 1625 and 1700 CE, while the fourth village was depopulated earlier (pre 1500), but the area was likely in continued use for agriculture or other seasonal purposes until the mid-1600s. Our results indicate that the Jemez were highly influential ecological agents. Forest structure and fire regime dynamics changed greatly after the departure of most people from these landscapes after circa 1650 CE. The terminus ante quem methods that we demonstrate in the Jemez Mountains have strong potential to constrain and refine low temporal resolution chronologies of human occupation at archaeological sites within other forested ecosystems of the Southwest and elsewhere

AZ 4-H Blacksmithing – Program Overview

This document is intended to provide a brief overview of the blacksmithing program, instructional resources, equipment, and learning resources for beginning 4-H blacksmithing instructors. There are infinite rabbit holes that a beginning blacksmith can go down, and this project is an excellent means to support youth in finding their own spark. The information below is a general introduction to strategies for safe and educational youth experiences, the types and purposes of tooling used by smiths, locations to purchase equipment, and some good resources for learning to make your own tools and projects

Applying the Peoplehood Model: An Evaluation Tool for Working in Indigenous Communities

This tool is designed to do three things: (1) provide an overview for youth development professionals to better understand Indigenous groups in their area, (2) provide some basic resources for program evaluation with tribal communities, and (3) provide a site/program level assessment tool to critique the cultural inclusiveness and relevance of programming initiatives. Our goal here is to highlight important themes of identity that should be incorporated to make our PYD work meaningful to all stakeholders

Empowering Goal Setting: A Basis for Improving Social Well-being in Youth

Empowered goal setting is the foundation by which 4-H can support youth in defining and achieving a sense of personal purpose. In this article we review some important reasoning behind empowering goal setting and suggest some useful models for framing interactions with 4-H youth

4-H Project Essentials - Livestock Feeding Glossary of Terms

This resource is intended to give 4-H leaders, youth, and families an overview of key terminology involved in the feeding of livestock

AZ 4-H Shooting Sports: Program Overview

Shooting sports programs are a wonderful way to connect youth with safely trained caring adult mentors. Certified volunteers teach safe and appropriate firearms/archery etiquette and provide youth with leadership and competition opportunities. Shooting sports certifications are also a great avenue for volunteer professional development, with opportunities to become certified to teach youth, adult level 1 instructors, and nationally certified level 2 instructors. Young people can also take on leadership roles in clubs as Youth Instructors. Like any project, there are opportunities for members and volunteers to participate at county, state, and national levels. In addition, there are a few key requirements found in shooting sports that other 4-H projects do not have. Read through the information below to learn how to grow a shooting sports program in your county

Project Essential Fact Sheets: Growing a Show Swine to Market Weight

Raising a swine is a great way for youth to learn about livestock and raise a market product through 4-H. In this document we have listed some strategies and resources that are important in making show weights and growing a high-quality agricultural product. Some important things to know about your swine project include appropriate feeds and feeding, planning to ensure your swine makes weight for the show, and how to spot common health problems. Be sure to work with your county Extension staff and 4-H Leaders to find additional resources and have the best chance for success

Project Essential Fact Sheets: Growing a Show Beef Project

Raising a beef project is a great way for youth to learn about livestock and raise a quality market product through the 4-H program. In this document we have listed some strategies and resources that will help ensure you have a successful project experience for your local fair and auction. Some essential considerations include ration composition, ration schedule, and understanding/planning around your beef’s ability to gain weight. Be sure to work with your county Extension staff and 4-H Leaders to find additional resources and have the best chance for success

Arizona 4-H Livestock Judging: Program Overview

4-H Livestock judging is a great program opportunity where youth can strengthen their decision-making abilities, grow communication skills, and develop sound critical thinking and articulate reasoning. Youth that excel in livestock judging cultivate an ethic of research, practice, and work hard to communicate clearly and concisely to judges and peers. Livestock judging is a competitive event centered around the visual evaluation of an animal’s physical traits and at times performance data. The goal is to compare and contrast four animals in a class against each other as well as the “ideal” animal