Realtree Recognized for Partnership and Commitment to Habitat for the Hatch

As the initiative’s title sponsor, Realtree has helped bring Habitat for the Hatch to life through a partnership rooted in habitat, research, conservation and a shared passion for the outdoors. 

What began nearly a year ago as a conversation between NWTF and Realtree came to life last week at Realtree Farm during a Field Day and Evening of Conservation. The event brought together NWTF and Realtree staff, landowners and conservation partners for an immersive look at how intentional habitat management can benefit wild turkeys and other wildlife. 

“The Habitat for the Hatch initiative we’ve partnered on with NWTF is something I’m extremely passionate about, especially because of the impact it can have right here in the Southeast,” said Tyler Jordan, vice president of strategic partnerships and digital host at Realtree. “Improving nesting and brood-rearing habitat is critical to the future of wild turkeys, and I’m proud Realtree can play a part in that work. A big thank you to everyone who came out and to NWTF for their continued commitment to wild turkey conservation. The work we do today will help ensure future generations get to enjoy the same spring mornings we’ve been fortunate enough to experience.” 

During the field day, attendees walked the property alongside NWTF and Realtree team members, seeing habitat management practices firsthand and discussing best management practices that could be applied on their own properties. The landowners in attendance collectively represented more than 109,000 acres, underscoring the potential reach of the knowledge and ideas shared throughout the day. 

The event also provided an opportunity to connect practical habitat work with the science guiding wild turkey conservation. Dr. Patrick Wightman, NWTF national director of wild turkey research and science, discussed the current state of wild turkeys, ongoing research and the science behind Habitat for the Hatch. His presentation highlighted how research can inform habitat decisions at both the individual property and landscape levels. 

Together, the field demonstrations and scientific discussion illustrated one of the many goals of Habitat for the Hatch: equipping landowners with the knowledge and inspiration to make meaningful habitat improvements where they live and hunt. 

Realtree’s commitment to the initiative extends well beyond its role as title sponsor. Since returning as an NWTF corporate partner earlier this year, Realtree has hosted NWTF events, collaborated with staff across multiple departments and helped connect the organization with potential partners who can further conservation efforts. 

During the evening program, NWTF recognized Realtree and the Jordan family, the founders of Realtree and longtime leaders in the outdoor industry, with a Conservation Legacy Award for their partnership and contributions to Habitat for the Hatch. The award honors their shared commitment to conservation and their willingness to open Realtree Farm as a place to demonstrate the value of thoughtful, science-based habitat management. Through their partnership, Realtree and the Jordan family have helped create opportunities to bring landowners, conservation professionals and partners together to learn, share ideas and take meaningful steps toward improving habitat for wild turkeys and other wildlife. 

“The partnership between the NWTF, Realtree and the Jordan family is a great example of what can happen when people who care deeply about the land and wildlife come together around a shared purpose,” said Ryder Leary, NWTF director of annual giving in the Southeast. “This event gave us an opportunity to bring landowners, conservationists and partners together in the field to see firsthand how thoughtful land management can make a meaningful difference for wild turkeys and countless other species. We are incredibly grateful to the Jordan family and the entire Realtree team for opening Realtree Farm and helping us create an experience that not only celebrated conservation, but inspired people to connect more deeply with the NWTF’s mission.” 

The impact of the event will continue season after season. By seeing habitat management firsthand and hearing how research can guide decisions on the ground, landowners left with practical ideas they can adapt to their own properties, extending the lessons of the day into future habitat projects and conservation efforts across their communities. 

That is the promise of Habitat for the Hatch: bringing together the people, science and resources needed to improve habitat and create better conditions for wild turkeys and the wildlife that share their landscapes. Through strong partnerships like the one between the NWTF and Realtree, conservation moves from conversation to action — one property and one acre at a time.