Expanding outreach and conservation efforts in Nebraska's western panhandle

April 21, 2026 - Gering, Nebraska - Pheasants Forever (PF) and Quail Forever (QF) are proud to introduce the first Women on the Wing chapter in Nebraska. The Wild West Women on the Wing Chapter was formed with a shared desire to engage passionate women in the conservation space and create new opportunities for connection, education and impact across western Nebraska.

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 project, public access initiative and conservation education programs throughout the upland bird range, PF and QF's Nebraska regional representative, Nick Mizera, will work closely with the new chapter to support the organizations vision to sustain abundant populations of wild pheasants, quail and other wildlife.

"I am most looking forward to seeing the passion for conservation this group exudes be spent in new and exciting ways to further the PF mission!" Mizera said.

Based in Gering, Nebraska, the chapter is rooted in the scenic western panhandle near Scotts Bluff National Monument and the North Platte River. Chapter president Kay Helberg says the group brings together both longtime conservation advocates and new faces eager to get involved.

"I'm most excited for our community," Helberg said. "Due to changes of the last six years, so many of our annual events have disintegrated. Our hope is to regenerate some grassroots, love thy neighbor, and cultivate lifelong friendships, camaraderie, and shared interests."

The Wild West chapter is already planning its first events, including a steak barbecue and games fundraiser scheduled for September 26, 2026, at the Legacy of the Plains Museum. The event will feature an interactive learning station focused on pheasant life stages and habitat, along with additional programming designed to engage attendees of all experience levels.

For more information about the Wild West Women on the Wing Chapter or to get involved, please contact chapter president, Kay Helberg, at kaykadoodle@yahoo.com or Nebraska regional representative, Nick Mizera at nmizera@pheasantsforever.org.

Media Contact
Rachel Holt
rholt@pheasantsforever.org