This year, for the first time, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever will recognize a national “Volunteer of the Year.” The award celebrates the very best the organization has to offer — the members and volunteers who optimize the Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever mission, who seek to protect and grow our wildlife habitat, and who help ensure our heritage continues for generations to come. We have chosen eight finalists (Four Pheasants Forever and four Quail Forever) for the award. The winner will be announced at the upcoming National Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic, which runs March 1-3 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Over the course of the next four weeks we’ll get to know each finalist, and celebrate their accomplishments in the world of habitat conservation. The next volunteer we’ll highlight is Edward Beck, from the Chesapeake Bay Chapter of Quail Forever in Maryland. Learn more about Edward and his dedication as a volunteer at the link below.

In celebration of Black History Month, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever seeks to highlight Black individuals who, against historical odds, became champions for the habitat and wild places we cherish. Their contributions have shaped the landscapes we hunt for the better. Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are devoted to making the uplands accessible to all people. In that process we aim to expand, educate, and engage the entirety of the upland conservation community. Pictured below in order: CHARLES YOUNG (1864-1922): In 1903, Young became the superintendent of Sequoia and General Grant national parks (who boast healthy populations of valley quail). During his tenure as superintendent, Young focused on enforcing park regulations, preventing illegal logging, grazing, and poaching, and fostering an appreciation for the parks’ ecological significance. SOLOMAN BROWN (1829-1906): His keen observations and love for nature paved the way for a groundbreaking career in conservation. He would eventually become the first Black employee of the Smithsonian Institute where he focused on natural history collections, and played a pivotal role in cataloging and preserving specimens. GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER (1864-1943): Born into slavery in Diamond Grove, Missouri, George Washington Carver rose to become one of the most prominent Black scientists of the 20th century. Renowned for his contributions to agriculture, George Washington Carver was not only a botanist and inventor but also a staunch advocate for sustainable farming practices. Learn more about these three men and their contributions to habitat and wild places at the link below. https://quailforever.org/BlogLanding/Blogs/Quail-Forever/Celebrating-Black-History-Month-Pioneers-of-Conservation.aspx

This year, for the first time, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever will recognize a national “Volunteer of the Year.” We have chosen eight finalists (Four Pheasants Forever and four Quail Forever) for the award. The winner will be announced at the upcoming National Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic, which runs March 1-3 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Over the course of the next four weeks we’ll get to know each finalist, and celebrate their accomplishments in the world of habitat conservation. The next volunteer we’ll highlight is David Snipes, from the Low Country Chapter of Quail Forever in South Carolina. To learn more about David and what makes him an incredible volunteer, head to the link below.

In just a few weeks, the Quail Forever team is participating in multiple events in conjunction with the longstanding wildlife event known affectionately as “SEWE.” The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE) will be held over President’s Day weekend, Feb. 16-18th in beautiful Charleston, South Carolina. The event has multiple venues, both indoors and out, throughout historic Charleston. Activities range from sporting dog demonstrations to art shows to fundraisers and all things in between. To learn more about the event, chapter participation, and things like the "Bobwhite Boogie," head to the link below.

High school and college students interested in a career in conservation, this program is for you! Link below. https://pheasantsforever.org/j2cc Journey to Conservation Careers is a national program aimed at high school and college students who have an interest in a career in conservation. We know students are busier than ever, which is why Journey to Conservation Careers is a self-paced program, focusing on upland habitat, ecology, and biology, which allows students to tailor the experience to their lifestyle. Additionally, students have the unique opportunity to build hands-on experience during the third module of this program, which includes a chance to job shadow a local resource professional. Students will learn skills to help build their resumes, while providing networking opportunities to help get their foot in the conservation door all the while earning college credits. The Journey to Conservation Careers program was developed in partnership with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Bellevue University

Great to host the leadership team from Quail Forever and Pheasants Forever at Brays—including CEO Marilyn Vetter. These groups have been doing great work for a long time and are deserving of our support. Taking aim at an exploding covey of quail is a magical experience, and for many it is a baptism into a lifelong passion for bird hunting. Wild quail hold a soft spot in the heart of North American hunters, and worthy conservation groups are addressing the declining numbers. @quail_forever @pheasants_forever @braysislandplantation #quailhunting #quail #wildquail #huntingisconservation #sportingclassicstv