Saws to Seedlings

As basketball action begins on the hardwood, NC State will host live competitions today to test the mettle of forestry students and collegiate and professional lumberjacks.

We’ve got something for everyone, from axe-wielding events to an arbor day celebration. Here’s where to watch log birling competitors make a splash and cheer on NC State students and an alum turned timbersports professional.

Southern Forestry Conclave

About 250 competitors are expected to sharpen their wits and their axes for conclave on Friday. Students from 15 southern forestry schools, including NC State, will compete in both academic and physical events on Friday. The brain-teasing portion, from 8 to 10 a.m. in Centennial Fields near the State Farmers Market, includes competition in dendrology, wildlife identification, photogrammetry and timber volume estimation.

Beginning at 1 p.m., contestants in the physical events will test their old-fashioned lumberjack skills in the axe throw, pole climb, cross-cut saw and underhand chop, and much more. Read the full schedule of free events and parking information.

Stihl Timbersports Southern Qualifier Hosted By NC State

It’s time to break out the chainsaws when collegiate and professional timbersport champions compete live at the State Farmers Market from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday. Winners move on to the national championship.

2010 NC State graduate Logan Scarborough, who began competing as as a student in 2006, is among the professional contestants.

NC State’s event will be taped for future broadcast on ESPN-U, the Outdoor Channel and TUFF-TV. Learn more about timbersports competition on the events site.

Kids 10 and under will be admitted free. Tickets may be purchased at the gate for $15. Students who present NC State IDs will be admitted for only $5, courtesy of a donation by the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources.

Arbor Day Celebration

Come to the State Farmers Market early Friday for free family Arbor Day activities from 2 to 6 p.m. Pick up a crabtree or dogwood seedling and take the kids to meet Smokey Bear.