Upland game habitat key to growing bird populations

Chances are when you think of seeing birds in Ohio, upland birds like pheasants may not be the first species to come to mind. That’s partly because populations of upland birds have declined since the mid 1900s. But today, there’s renewed interest in restoring local habitat for upland bird species like these.

That’s why Ashland Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is partnering with a number of local groups including Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever to hose A Day in the Uplands on August 19 at Avian Acres in Jeromesville. Part of a summer-long series spearheaded by Pheasants Forever, the Ashland County workshop will focus on Managing Private Lands for Pollinators and Wildlife.

“Upland birds are unique because they like to stay on dry ground and seek cover in brush or woodland areas, and they tend to be more ‘chicken-like” in appearance with short, rounded wings, sorter, heavier bits and heavy bodies,” said Jane Houin, Ashland SWCD director. “They are not migratory, and they adapt to seasonal changes here in Ohio.”

Pheasants are one of the most popular examples of upland birds, but they are not native to Ohio. They were actually introduced in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Farmland use and practices at the turn of the century were ideal for pheasant populations, causing them to quickly grow in number in Ohio, peaking at around 5 million birds in the late 1930s and early 1940s.

“Pheasants thrive In agricultural edges,” Houin said. “But they can still thrive in intensively managed farmland if they have adequate undisturbed cover for nesting and sufficient cover and food for the winter.”

In the early 1980s, pheasant hunters began to connect declining pheasant populations with the loss of upland habitat. Agricultural expansion, increasing populations, and urban sprawl can all threaten the habitats that quail, pheasants and other wildlife call home.

“Today, we just have to be creative and intentional in developing and nurturing those upland habitats,” Houin said. “Hopefully out Day in the Uplands workshop will help Ashland County landowners do just that.”

Workshop participants will learn how to prepare sites for grassland projects, how to install native grass and pollinator habitat, and wetland and woodland basics. Other topics will include seed mixes, carriers, nurse crops, necessary equipment, and cost-share opportunities for private lands.

The workshop will take place from 9 am until 2 pm on August 19. Registration is free, but reservations must be received by August 11. RSVPs can be made online or by calling Ashland SWCD at 419-281-7645. Avian Acres is located at 1650 State Route 89, Jeromesville.

The workshop will be held rain or shine and will require traveling over never terrain. Accommodations can be made for those needing assistance to walk longer distances on foot if advance notice is provided during registration.

Lunch will be provided by the Ashland County Chapter of Pheasants Forever. Other partnering sponsors include the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services, Pollinator Partnership, Partners for Fish and Wildlife, Ashland County Park District, US Fish and Wildlife Service, the Ohio Division of Wildlife, and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

The chat will begin at 6 p.m., and snacks will be provided. Registration for the chat is free but pre-registration is requested. The Registration can be made online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/conservation-chat-future-of-the-family-farm-tickets-595774436377 or at the Ashland SWCD office by calling Ruth McCrea at 419-281-7645.