Nebraska Volunteers Power Conservation Work for 2026
EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The Nebraska State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation recently met in Sidney to review Hunting Heritage Super Fund project proposals for 2026 funding awards. Following the review and ranking process, the Nebraska Board of Directors approved a slate of conservation, research and outreach investments totaling $56,260 to benefit wild turkeys, wildlife habitat and hunting heritage efforts across the state.
The board budgeted $18,800 for conservation projects, $2,000 for research, $6,000 toward the NWTF’s Waterways for Wildlife Initiative and $29,460 for hunting heritage projects, including education and outreach events, chapter scholarships and more. NWTF conservation project award funding will be matched by $164,000 in partner or grant funding for the approved projects.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the hard work and passion of our Nebraska volunteers,” said Annie Farrell, NWTF district biologist. “Their fundraising efforts make it possible to support meaningful conservation work and invest in the next generation of hunters and conservationists. The projects approved for 2026 reflect Nebraska’s commitment to habitat enhancement and expanding outdoor opportunities across the state.”
The NWTF’s Super Fund is a funding model through which volunteers raise money at banquets and other fundraisers and allocate a significant portion of those proceeds into impactful conservation, research and outreach projects at the state level and beyond.
Across Nebraska, the approved projects will focus on invasive species management, public-land habitat improvements and expanded educational and youth programming to strengthen both wildlife populations and participation in conservation. Habitat and research investments include:
- $6,300 to support the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s Bassway Strip Wildlife Management Area with invasive species removal
- $12,500 to support the Pheasants Forever-Quail Forever Nebraska Community Access Partnership program
- $6,000 to support the NWTF’s Waterways for Wildlife Initiative
- $2,000 to support the NWTF’s Endowed Professorship program
In addition to habitat and research work, the chapter will invest heavily in education and outreach to engage youth, volunteers and new outdoor enthusiasts statewide. Education and outreach investments include:
- $3,496 to support the National Archery in the Schools Program in Nebraska
- $9,062 to support local 4-H groups, including Big Mac Sports Club, Blue River 4-H, Cherry County 4-H, Dawson County 4-H, Grand Island Senior High, Lower Platte Archery Club, Milford Public Schools Archery and Washington County 4-H
- $3,550 to support NWTF JAKES events and the JAKES shooting trailer
- $13,352 for volunteer travel, state chapter membership rebate and miscellaneous expenses.
About the National Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 24 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested over $10 million into wild turkey research to guide the management of the wild turkey population and to ensure sustainable populations into perpetuity. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale through its Four Shared Values: clean and abundant water, healthy forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities, and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF continues its work to provide Healthy Habitats. and Healthy Harvests. for future generations.