Pheasants Forever Helping Landowners in Story County.

Story County Pheasants Forever has been helping landowners, acreage owners, and habitat cooperators for the last 19 years. Projects include windbreaks, food plots, native grass plantings, and tree plantings which facilitate soil and water conservation efforts. Story County PF has also purchased equipment and donated it to Story County Conservation for landowners to rent or borrow. Native grass drills, a tree planter, and equipment for hunter education are some of the many items available for individuals to utilize.

Native grasses are heavily promoted for buffers, Conservation Reserve acres, and any other idle areas because of their capacity for improving water quality, soil erosion and wildlife habitat. These grasses grow taller than cool season grasses, are stronger, and have more rigid stems. Their deeper roots enable them to remove nitrates and pesticides—both above and below the soil--before they get to the stream and our drinking water. Native grass mixtures with flowers and forbs provide better habitat for wildlife as well. These undisturbed areas are crucial to nesting cover and also serve as protection during the harsh winter months. Story County Pheasants Forever uses Iowa grown native grasses because they will adapt to the soils and climate in central Iowa. Planting local ecotype seed also supports local producers.

Shelterbelts and windbreaks are a very important part of the central Iowa rural landscape. Trees that surround a farmstead and keep the wind and snow off the house and livestock provide the same protection for wildlife during our cold, snowy, windy winters. Wildlife will move several miles to these shelterbelts to find protection and food from the northwest winds and snow. In addition, a good windbreak will add beauty and value to the farmstead or acreage while cutting back energy consumption for the people and livestock within its protective zone.

Story County Pheasants Forever will continue to offer financial assistance to help landowners develop and plant all kinds of habitat for wildlife in central Iowa. These areas not only help wildlife but soil and water quality as well. This improvement of our environment will help keep our children here to continue the fine tradition of agriculture excellence in Story County. If you have any questions, please contact me at 641-377-3480.

- Dave Van Waus