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Quail Unlimited announces additional seed program direct to lan"Adequate nesting and brood rearing cover are critical needs throughout much of the bobwhite range," states Roger Wells, Quail Unlimited National Habitat Director. "Wildlife biologists have identified the need for creating and planting additional quality nesting and brood rearing cover as the number one objective for quail recovery," added Wells. Quail Unlimited, America's Leader in Quail Conservation, and Sharp Bros. Seed Company, the nation's largest native grass seed company, have partnered to provide new, low-cost quail nesting and brood seed mixes for landowners, quail enthusiasts and wildlife observers exclusively through QU. The native grass and forb mixes immediately available from QU and Sharp Bros., are designed to provide the short, bunch grass growth form that is preferred by bobwhites. In addition to the grasses, a variety of preferred forbs are included to provide overhead structure and attract insects for ideal bugging sites for quail chicks. These grass and forb mixtures can be planted along field borders, non-farmed odd areas, forest openings, abandoned crop fields, and to replace non-native species that provide poor quail habitat such as fescue and Bermuda grass. Two mixes are available at this time. One, known as the "Eastern Mix", is designed for areas receiving more than 35 inches of rainfall per year. This mix contains grass varieties that will remain at preferred quail height even in higher rainfall area. The second mix, known as the "Western Mix", has a small amount of taller grass varieties added and is adapted to sites receiving less than 35 inches of rainfall per year. Both of the mixes are sold by the number of acres to be planted. The cost of each mix is $45 per acre plus shipping and handling with a one-acre minimum order. Orders can be placed by contacting the Quail Unlimited National Habitat Office, 868 Road 290, Americus, KS 66835, 620-443-5834 or e-mail roger@qu.org. QU, through its dedicated chapter members coast to coast, is leading the charge to restore the natural habitat of wild quail, working with private landowners as well as state and federal agencies across the country with unprecedented partnerships. By putting on local events and fundraisers, QU chapters raise conservation dollars that are then used for on the ground projects in their area. "One of the biggest mistakes when planting native grasses is to plant too much seed," said Wells. "Native grass cover for bobwhites should be relatively thin to allow for ease of quail travel at the ground level. Therefore, we have designed these mixes so that if the landowner or manager tells us how many acres they need to plant, we will send them the right amount of seed to make for ideal quail cover." For more information on how to plant and manage native grasses and for a list of Frequently Asked Questions and other habitat information, or how to become a member of Quail Unlimited visit the Quail Unlimited website www.qu.org. 1 Star WK 2/26/07 9 B Date: 2/22/07
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