Ridgway, Pa.:  Twenty-five volunteers for wildlife showed up on Friday, 4/3, at the SGL (State Game Lands) parking lot on German Settlement Road in Elk County on SGL 44 to fence and plant shrubs and trees for wildlife.  Despite days of rain that had turned the three-acre work site into gumboot mud, the crew labored on to finish off six fences full of planted shrubs and trees.

In addition, the crew also planted three other areas to be fenced, and set stakes that will be used to hang fence by the PGC (Pennsylvania Game Commission).  Blueberries were planted in individual circular cribs built around the blueberries. 

The volunteers thank the employees of the Pennsylvania Game Commission that provided pre-planning, onsite supervision, and dedication to wildlife.  The Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) thanks TC Energy for funding for this project.  Garrett Baker, Habitat Leader for the RGS Upland Bird Hunt Chapter, provided lunch for the workers.

Volunteers came from as far away as two and one-half hours to help wildlife.  The project day was supported by volunteers from the following RGS or AWS Chapters:  Allegheny, Allegheny Northwoods, Greater Pittsburgh, and Upland Bird Hunt (UBH).

“This project looks rough now, but in a couple of years, we should really see these shrubs start producing food for wildlife.  The fencing is critical to allow the shrubs to grow without being browsed to death by deer,” said Garrett.  “The fencing is extremely expensive, but we want to do what is right for wildlife, and we know that just planting the seedlings without fencing is throwing money down the drain.  I really appreciate our volunteers working through this mud and rain”.

The Ruffed Grouse Society is a national conservation organization dedicated to preserving our sporting traditions by creating healthy forests for ruffed grouse, American woodcock, and other wildlife.  Through habitat projects, advocacy, and education, RGS works to ensure the future of upland bird populations and hunting heritage.