Volunteers plan to improve wildlife habitat across The Sunshine State
Quail Forever (QF) is excited to introduce a new chapter in Florida. The Tampa Bay Chapter of QF is ready to improve wildlife habitat on public land and expand opportunities for newcomers to participate in outdoor sports. Volunteers will connect with communities across Hillsboro, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Manatee and Sarasota counties.
Unique among national conservation organizations, chapters of Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever retain 100 percent decision-making control over fundraising dollars, allowing volunteers to support impactful wildlife habitat projects, public access initiatives, and conservation education programs throughout the upland bird range. Quail Forever regional representative Kenny Barker will work closely with the new chapter to support the organization’s vision to sustain abundant populations of quail and other wildlife.
“I’m excited to plant another chapter on the west coast of Florida,” Barker said. “The more habitat work we get done across the state, the more opportunities we’ll have for upland hunters. I’d like to see more chapters form throughout the state and encourage more urban communities to get involved.”
Most people might not realize upland habitat can be found in a coastal state, and chapter members plan to share their knowledge of the pine savannas the bobwhite quail calls home. They are excited to tell the story of the diverse ecosystems across the state and encourage community participation as they organize habitat improvement projects throughout Florida’s vast public lands.
To learn about the Tampa Bay Chapter of QF, contact chapter president Michael Hinckley at tampabayquailforever@outlook.com. For questions about Quail Forever in Florida, contact Kenny Barker at KBarker@QuailForever.org.