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MDC and Quail Forever invite landowners on quail walking tour near Gerald Aug. 3
GERALD, Mo.—Are you a landowner or manager who would like to see more quail and other upland wildlife? Reading books and online research can help, but nothing beats seeing actual techniques and practice, as well as viewing the results.
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and Quail Forever are offering that opportunity by hosting a Quail Habitat Walking Tour Saturday, Aug. 3 from 9 a.m.-Noon. The tour will take place on private property off Highway C near Gerald in Franklin County. The tour sites are within the Boeuf-Bourbeuse Valley quail focus area. The tour is free of charge.
This will be a walking tour of privately-owned land which is managed primarily for quail and upland wildlife. Forest and wildlife professionals will be on hand to lead the tour. Topics will include how to create and maintain good quail habitat, planting native grasses and wildflowers, prescribed burning, woodland and grassland management, pond management, and more. Participants will also learn about government programs and cost-share opportunities to assist landowners in putting these practices in place.
The tour is designed to equip land managers with a better understanding of quail and small-game habitat requirements and provide ideas for realizing the upland wildlife potential on their property. After the tour, a free lunch will be provided.
Space is limited, and advanced registration is required by July 31 by calling 636-441-4554. Locations and directions to the tour sites will be provided upon registration.
Participants should be fit enough to walk up to two miles along mowed paths through gently sloped terrain at an average walking pace. For additional information, or if special accommodations are required due to physical disabilities, contact MDC Private Land Conservationist Lia Heppermann at 636-583-2303, ext. 3110 or Lia.Heppermann@mdc.mo.gov by July 26.