 Click above for video highlighting successful bobwhite quail restoration effort in Delaware.
Once a familiar face and frequent sound across rural landscapes, northern bobwhite populations have declined sharply over the last 60 years. However, bobwhite quail numbers are slowly rebounding throughout Delaware’s Cedar Swamp Wildlife Area, which is managed by the DE Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC). The implementation of wildlife habitat practices to provide food and cover for nesting, brooding and safety has been instrumental in this effort.
In this video, hear from Craig Rhoads with DNREC as he navigates Cedar Swamp, describing the history of bobwhites and their success in the first state. NRCS conservationist Heaven Beaven explains why more landowners are needed in this restoration effort and outlines available technical and financial resources to help.
Delaware farmers and landowners interested in ways to help bring back bobwhites are encouraged to watch this video and call your local USDA Service Center to learn more. In Delaware’s Sussex County, call 302-856-3990, ext. 3; in Kent County, call 302-741-2600, ext. 3; and in New Castle County, call 302-832-3100, ext. 3. Or visit www.de.nrcs.usda.gov.
Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW) Partnership: The northern bobwhite is a state identified target species of the Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW) partnership, a collaborative approach to conserve habitat on working lands. Delaware NRCS is partnering with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Delaware Department of Agriculture, Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), Quail Forever and the National Bobwhite & Grassland Initiative to enhance and conserve working agricultural lands and improve bobwhite quail populations. Click here for fact sheet.
Partner News and Events
 Did you know that the 2022 Census of Agriculture mails this fall? This once-every-five-year data collection impacts decisions about the Farm Bill, disaster assistance, grants, programs, rural and urban investment, and more. The ag census data helps tell our neighbors, the nation, and the world our ag story. The Census of Agriculture is Your Voice, Your Future, Your Opportunity.
To learn more about the Census of Agriculture, visit www.nass.usda.gov/AgCensus.
 The Delaware Soil Health Partnership will hold an in-person soil health field day on Tuesday, Aug. 16, at 9 a.m.
Rick Clark, a fifth-generation farmer from Williamsport, Ind., will discuss farming green and his experience with organic no-till on nearly 7,000 acres. University of Delaware extension agents will provide the latest research updates while Jay Baxter, owner of Baxter Farms, will discuss experiences in the field.
The field day will be held at Baxter Farms, 23073 Zoar Rd, Georgetown, DE 19947 in Georgetown, Del. Lunch will be provided. Nutrient management credits are pending, and preregistration is required.
For more information or to register, click here.
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