Daily Archives: May 21, 2014

Kansas Backyard Wildlife Habitat Improvement Program

This program is sponsored by the Chickadee Checkoff of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism and the Kansas Wildlife Federation.

       This program was initiated in 1985 to help homeowners improve their backyards for wildlife. Kansans share a common interest — they enjoy watching wildlife. Surveys show a large majority of Kansans annually participate in wildlife watching activities. Many people have developed their backyards or other associated areas for attracting wildlife to help satisfy this desire. This may be as easy as adding a few select shrubs and a watering area or it might be as complex as establishing native prairie, trees, shrubs and a small pond. The possibilities are as numerous as the number of backyards and other areas in cities and towns throughout Kansas. 

You can apply to certify your backyard by using an application: KS Backyard Wildlife Habitat

If you manage for wildlife in your backyard, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism would like to give you credit through the Backyard Wildlife Habitat Certification Program. This program gives recognition to citizens who improve living conditions for wildlife on their property. The Backyard Wildlife Habitat Certification Program is not restricted to home owners. Residents of high-rise apartment balconies and places of business can apply also.
Just follow the directions on the back of this brochure and send it to the Pratt Operations Office with $5. Once approved, you will receive a handsome certificate and an attractive sign to display in your yard. Your name will be included on future mailing lists for special backyard wildlife materials. Good luck with your efforts!

KANSAS PHEASANTS FOREVER AND QUAIL FOREVER ANNOUNCE SUMMER WORKSHOPS

All workshops are free and open to the public

PRATT – Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are pleased to announce their summer slate of upland habitat tours and workshops, beginning May 28. A total of 15 workshops and tours will be held around the state, hosted by Pheasants Forever Farm Bill wildlife biologists with the assistance of local area partners and statewide partners, including the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism and the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Workshop topics will range from “Landscaping for Pollinators” (geared toward backyard conservationists and youth educators) to a cover crop tour and roundtable discussions with Kansas farmers. All workshops are free and open to the public; however some will require an RSVP due to space limitations or meals being provided. Most events will be half a day or shorter to accommodate attendees’ busy summer schedules. A complete list of events can be found below.

For more information, visit www.kansaspfqf.com, or contact Senior Farm Bill Biologist, Zac Eddy, at (620) 338-7132 or [email protected].

•What Can We Do For Our Pheasants and Quail?

May 28, 10 a.m.

Salina Public Library – 301 W. Elm – Salina

•What Can We Do For Our Pheasants and Quail?

May 29, 9 a.m.

Dickinson County K-State Extension Meeting Room – 712 S. Buckeye Ave – Abilene

•What Can We Do For Our Pheasants and Quail?

May 29, 2 p.m.

McPherson County K-State Extension Meeting Room – 600 W. Woodside – McPherson

•Quality Deer Management in the 21st century Benefits Upland Bird Management (1st in the Series)

June 4, 6:30 p.m.

Marysville City Hall – 209 North 8th St – Marysville

•Upland Game Bird Habitat Management and Wildlife Habitat Incentive Programs

June 9, 8:30 a.m.

Town and Country Kitchen – Norton

•Quality Deer Management in the 21st century Benefits Upland Bird Management (2nd in the Series)

June 17, 6:30 p.m.

HHC Klinefelter Barn – 1774 230th – Hiawatha

•Pheasant Focus Area

June 17, TBD

Glen Elder Wildlife Area – Glen Elder

•Where are all the Pheasants? – Habitat Management 101

June 19, 9 a.m.

Midwest Energy Community Room – Hoxie

•Brood Rearing Habitat Tour

June 19, 6:30 p.m.

1152 G Road – Centralia

•Quail Habitat Tour

June 2, 10 a.m.

Meet at the corner of Brush Creek Rd and Forrester Rd – South of Westmoreland on Hwy 99

•Cover Crops Roundtable and Tour

June 24, 9 a.m.

The Gateway – Oberlin

•Quality Deer Management in the 21st century Benefits Upland Bird Management (3rd in the Series)

June 24, 6 p.m.

Seneca Library – 606 Main St – Seneca

•Quail Management: Bugs, Brush, Burns, and Beef

June 28, 9 a.m.

Byron Walker Wildlife Area – Cunningham

•Pheasant Focus Area

July 25, TBD

Glen Elder Wildlife Area – Glen Elder

•Landscaping for Pollinators

July 26, 9 a.m.

301 Walnut St – Centralia

Scott O’Dell Outdoor Youth Event May 31st

PRATT ­– The Marion County chapter of Quail Forever, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers invite youth age 8 through 16 to attend a free shooting clinic May 31.  From 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., participants will receive instruction and experience with shotguns, air rifles, and archery shooting in a controlled, safe, live fire environment.

Participants will be provided safety and shooting instruction by certified firearm and archery skills instructors. All equipment and supplies will be provided courtesy of KDWPT’s “Pass It On” and Hunter Education programs. Participants are required to pre-register for the event, and are not required to have completed a hunter education course, however prior completion is preferred.

Attendees will meet at the French Creek campground, one mile North of Highway 56 on Kanza Rd, and one mile East on 210th. Following the shooting clinic, participants can enjoy lunch courtesy of Quail Forever, and a prize giveaway.

This event is limited to the first 50 participants who pre-register, so call today to reserve your spot. For more information, and to register for this event, contact Marion Wildlife Area biologist, Scott Amos at (620) 732-3946.Screen Shot 2014-05-21 at 5.40.48 PM