Jan. 24, 2018
Randy Zellers Assistant Chief of Communications
ARKADELPHIA – The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Clark County Conservation District and Quail Forever invite all landowners with an interest in restoring northern bobwhite habitat on their property to a special dinner and workshop to learn more about how they can benefit quail in The Natural State. The workshop will be in the Alcoa Room of the Henderson State University Community Education Center, Feb. 8 beginning at 6 p.m.
Marcus Asher, AGFC quail program coordinator, says good quail habitat has become so scarce, few people would recognize it as valuable.
“Good habitat for bobwhites isn’t pretty manicured landscapes,” Asher said. “Many of the seed-producing ‘weeds’ that people think are not good for anything are exactly the sort of thing quail need for food and cover.”
Presenters will cover basic bobwhite biology and habitat requirements as well as practices that help promote the diverse types of vegetation needed to foster growing bobwhite populations. Experts also will be on hand to talk about the many programs landowners can sign up for to get assistance in creating quail habitat on their property.
“We have biologists that can come to your property and help create a habitat plan customized for your area,” said Ted Zawislak, coordinator of the AGFC’s Private Lands Program. “They also can identify any possible financial incentives that may be available to a landowner through the Farm Bill or other conservation agencies. There are many programs that can offset the cost of habitat restoration, and these biologists can help find the ones most likely to be available for a given piece of land.”
Dinner will be provided to all attendees who register by Feb. 4. Call the Natural Resources Conservation Service office at 870-345-3340 to register.