NWTF makes a difference in New York

With projects aimed at improving wildlife habitat and sharing the outdoors with others, National Wild Turkey Federation New York State Chapter volunteers make a difference where they live.

NWTF projects are a combination of state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, corporations and NWTF volunteers partnering to accomplish the same goal--conserving our natural resources and preserving our hunting heritage. The projects are varied, and the events are fun to attend.

The NWTF New York State Chapter is part of the NWTF's Five-Star Program, meaning its members are dedicated to sharing the outdoors with women, children and people with disabilities, and making a positive difference in their communities. They have spent $1.4 million on conservation and education projects throughout their state.

The National Wild Turkey Federation is planning the first and second Wild Turkey Woodland Field Days to be held in New York to provide landowners the opportunity to learn wildlife habitat management techniques. The first ever field day will be in Madison County on Aug. 23, and the second will be Sept. 6, in Wyoming County.

Both field days offer classes on reclaiming orchard and grassy areas, woodlot management for wildlife and timber harvests, and wildlife food planting. The Madison County Field Day will also have a class on wetland restoration and riparian buffers, while the USDA Wildlife Conservation Programs will be explained at the Wyoming County Field Day. Registration is required to attend both NWTF Wild Turkey Woodlands Field Days.

To register for the Madison Field Day call Bob Eriksen at 908-454-1882. To register for the Wyoming Field Day call Larry Becker at 585-671-1443.

Abandoned homesteads in central New York provide important habitat for wildlife. Most old homesteads have apple orchards that provide food to wild turkeys, deer, bear and other wildlife.

The National Wild Turkey Federation has partnered with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to improve these apple orchards by removing trees that compete with the food producing trees.

These orchards are especially critical for birds, like the wild turkey, for brood habitat. Poults need a condensed food source to survive. Abandoned apple orchards provide grass seeds, insects and fruit for young birds.

For more information about NWTF conservation projects and events taking place in New York, contact Bob Eriksen at 908-454-1882. For more information about the NWTF, call 1-800-THE-NWTF or visit the website at www.nwtf.org.

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