Want to help wildlife?  Members of the Upland Bird Hunt Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) need volunteers for planting and fencing for wildlife on Saturday, 4/19, at 9:00 a.m., in McKean County.  Work should be completed by 1:00 p.m.  The volunteer work site is on lands open for public recreation use, locally called Bunker Hill, near Clermont, McKean County.  All volunteers will meet at 9:00 a.m. at Clermont Park, which is on North Street in Clermont; North Street is across from the Clermont Volunteer Fire Department Station 14.  Volunteers will follow each other to the work site.

The community of Clermont can be accessed by driving from Wilcox on US 219 northeast on LR 2001 called the Wilcox-Clermont Road, or from US 6 west of Smethport by driving south on SR 146 called the Clermont Road.

All volunteers should register with Jed Hamberger at jedhamberger@gmail.com so we can arrange enough tools for volunteers.  All volunteers should wear boots, gloves, and bring safety glasses if you have them.  Dress for the weather.  This project will take place rain or shine.

This project is part of the RGS’s ongoing efforts to improve habitat for ruffed grouse, woodcock, and other wildlife species.  This habitat work will include creating early successional forest critical for young forest wildlife, including tree planting and fence repair.

“This is a great opportunity for anyone passionate about conservation and upland bird hunting to get involved and make a real impact,” said Jed Hamberger, Chapter President.  “By improving habitat at Bunker Hill, we’re ensuring a better future for grouse, woodcock, and a variety of other wildlife that depend on young forests.  Not everyone is fiscally capable of making contributions at banquets and fundraising events but, they still want to contribute to the conservation mission of the Ruffed Grouse Society.  Habitat projects like this are important for local chapters because they enable members and non-members to be involved and contribute!”

No special skills are needed by volunteers to help on this project – come on out and help for half a day!   Join us on April 19^th to make a difference for upland birds.

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.