“It is such a great privilege when the very core of what our organization was founded for 10 years ago makes a big difference for so many active youth” states Craig Alderman of the Quail and Upland Wildlife Federation. “In Johnston County, NC our chapter sets a huge standard of total commitment to our youth and wildlife conservation. Today is their day of honor and recognition from all of us in wildlife conservation, clean streams and youth outreach” declares Alderman.

“We support all 8 high schools with FFA Chapters in our county with what we call the “QUWF Wildlife Plot Program”, and this is our 10th year with QUWF doing so” says Ernie Ward, representing the chapter. The chapter involves 12 teachers, approximately 80 students, 5 local farmers that provide 5 acres each for the students to work on, 1,000 bags of conservation wildlife seed (not used for row crops or agriculture). The students plan, maintain and see the success of their efforts on the land. “We feel this very popular program develops an important link in the process of connecting our youth to conservation, working the land, and seeing what their efforts can really do” Ernie says.

“We judge their work on the land in a banquet held in the spring that highlights their work, where the chapter awards $1,800 in prizes to the students and $1,500.00 in college scholarships. The seed is distributed in May of each year and success judged in the fall of each year with the awards the following spring at the banquet” explains Ward.

“This is the very essence of getting our youth involved in turning the dirt, mentor them, let them see results and award them for future education in the many fields of conservation” says Nick Prough, Chief Wildlife Biologist of QUWF. “We need students who not only know the biology and science of the issues facing us today but can relate to the landowners and the ground itself, knowing the commitment it takes in a true long term partnership with landowners to make a difference. Farmers and ranchers today are under enormous pressure with their numbers decreasing and in some areas pounded by bad weather. Their lifestyle is by definition work and they understand the land better than anyone else” Prough points out.

About QUWF:

The Quail and Upland Wildlife Federation (QUWF), is the only Veteran founded and managed national conservation organization in the U.S., and the only multi-specie and clean stream national organization based in Missouri. QUWF turns-the-dirt locally and nationally with chapters that manage and control their own funds. To join QUWF, get involved locally with upland wildlife and habitat restoration/ clean streams or the new youth fishing teams, visit our web site at www.quwf.net.

“Preserve the Land and Clean Streams….Build the Habitat….Hunt and Fish for Generations” with QUWF™.