We contacted Garry in 2017 for guidance on returning a 71 acre site, with 40 acres of bare dirt from construction to near a native habitat condition. We wanted to see deer, dove and quail. Unfortunately, many challenges existed, like a 5 acre borrow pit surrounded by spoil piles and many years of improper land management. Wildlife was scarce or nonexistent. So Garry produced a comprehensive site assessment report that was supported by education and training. It has been 8 years since implementing the transformation. It began with seeding worst areas and properly managing the rest. Today’s results are remarkable. As soon as the native grasses that were planted in 2017 sprouted, a few birds and deer were seen on occasion. We had seen quail but very rarely, mostly herd calls in the distance. As the habitat recovered and we performed controlled burns each year plant diversification and wildlife populations returned. Starting in 2021, Wood storks make an annual visit to the lakes. We added bees last year and the flowers responded throughout the year. Dove hunts have been successful every year with sitings of deer daily. We also eliminated areas that were regularly shredded since we learned this actually destroys habitat. With the native flowers and prairie grasses flourishing we do not often see quail, but hear them calling sometimes a quick glimpse of a few quail flying and landing. So we knew the quail were getting established. Now, specifically in the past weeks, a gravel road adjacent to our office building has been busy with quail sitings. Most notably last Tuesday, upon returning from lunch, we observed 11 infants escorted by two adults. Finally, we have firsthand visual proof the habitat is doing its job and so are the quail. We are extremely glad we implemented Garry’s plan and stuck with it. Also, the property looks much healthier, and we are spending a lot less work and time shredding/mowing.
Hats off to Garry, Jim and all the fine folks at WHF.
– Brad Boyer
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