Quail Forever’s Hands-On Habitat Month Starts Now
By Ryan Sparks, Quail Forever Journal Editor
There’s something about working the land that sticks with you. Dirt under the nails, sun on your back – boots, muscle, and sinew put to good use – it reminds you that conservation doesn’t happen in reports and plans. It happens on the land. With calloused hands, worn tools, helping neighbors, and real purpose.
That’s what Hands-On Habitat Month is all about.
Every May, Quail Forever chapters from Florida to California grab their work gloves and meet along fence lines, at old field edges, in forgotten corners of county roads, and along creeks and streams.
It’s a field day. It’s a restoration rally. It’s habitat getting done.
And this year, we want you in on it.
If you’re a chapter leader, it’s time to put a project together. Big or small, get it done.
If you’re a landowner or a volunteer, we guarantee there’s a shovel, chainsaw, or seed drill that could be put to use.
If you’re a rank-and-file QF member who has been waiting for a chance to do something real for wildlife – this is it.
Go to Quail Forever’s Hands-On Habitat page to sign up. That page is also the place to find a chapter and Hands-On Habit project near you.
So what gets done during Hands-On Habitat Month?
The simple answer: Whatever needs doing.
- Replacing barbed wire with wildlife-friendly fencing
- Combating invasive grasses or woody encroachment
- Building covey headquarters
- Seeding native grasses or planting native thickets
- Clearing trash from public lands
- Reworking trails and parking areas for better access
- Cutting, hauling, digging, planting, sweating – this is type two fun for anyone who wants to give back
You won’t just improve habitat. You’ll build community. And when you sit back at the end of the day, you’ll know you’ve done something tangible and real for the wildlife and wild places that you love.
So come on. Bring your kid. Bring a friend. Bring your bird dog just to watch.
Let’s put habitat on the ground. Together.
Hands-On Habitat Month. May. Quail Forever. Let’s do this!
Again, go to Quail Forever’s Hands-On Habitat page to get involved.
Ryan Sparks is editor at Quail Forever.