Integrating Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginanus) Habitat Enhancement Practices On MU Agriculture Experiment Stations: An Educational Model That Puts Knowledge Into Action.

Advances in agricultural production and land use practices have negatively influenced habitats for northern bobwhites (Colinus virginianus) and grassland bird species.  Over the past 50 years the MU Bradford Research and Extension Center (BREC) has focused its mission on agronomic research and Extension.  Recently, the BREC has developed programs that address the educational needs of the whole agricultural community. These include integrating wildlife habitat management practices which complement the agronomic objectives of the center.  Most private farms contain areas that can be managed for wildlife species dependent on early successional plant communities.  Using the “Missouri Bobwhite Quail Habitat Appraisal Guide”, MP 902, habitat components lacking for bobwhites were identified and management practices were successfully implemented without reducing farm profits.  Examples include edge feathering, native prairie restoration and warm season grass management, covey headquarters establishment, field border management, and tall fescue pasture renovation.  In addition, landowners on adjacent properties implemented practices that benefitted bobwhites. Habitat components that were addressed included nesting, brood-rearing and escape cover.  Based on habitat improvements made and data collected from fall call counts we observed an increase in covey numbers from two to 25 since the project was initiated in 2006.  We report final results from this project which was funded by a USDA Conservation Innovation Grant.  In addition, we showcase how our educational approach serves as a model for integrating wildlife considerations with ongoing agricultural objectives at other Agricultural Experiment Stations across the United States.