Delaware NRCS Conservation Updates, July 2022

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USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service

Conservation Update - July 20, 2022

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Bringing Back Bobwhites to Delaware

Bringing Back Bobwhites to Delaware

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


Coming this November: 2022 Census of Ag

Fall 2022 NASS Census

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.


Register Today: Soil Health Field Day, August 16

Soil Health Field Day 2022

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.


Follow Delaware NRCS on Twitter!

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USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Delaware

1221 College Park Drive
Suite 100
Dover, DE 19904

Phone: 302-678-4160
www.de.nrcs.usda.gov 

Kasey L. Taylor, State Conservationist

NRCS field offices are located at USDA Service Centers in Sussex, Kent and New Castle counties. 

All newsletters are archived on the Delaware NRCS website. Click here for all current and past features.

Please submit questions or concerns to Dastina Wallace, public affairs specialist. Call 302-678-4179 or email dastina.wallace@usda.gov.