Homeowner Inspires Neighbors to Protect Wildlife

"Backyard Conservation" takes on a new meaning for residents in King George County

June 2005-  It could have been the developers destroying the wildlife habitat.  Maybe it was an article on quail habitat losses that motivated Beth Elkins.  Whatever it was, one thing is certain, residents in rural King George County are bringing wildlife habitat back to their neighborhood.  

Elkins, a hunter and wildlife enthusiast, grew up on a farm listening to quails croon outside her window.  When she moved to King George, she noticed a difference.  Bird calls were less frequent and less resounding.  So, she called her local Natural Resources Conservation Service office to get answers. 

District Conservationist, Ron Wisniewski told her about the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP).  He explained how it can help landowners develop and improve wildlife habitat on private lands.  NRCS provides the technical and financial assistance to help landowners establish habitat development practices.  He noted that with more land enrolled, the greater the benefits for wildlife. 

Elkins thought for a moment.  “Other homeowners have 10 and 11-acre lots.  It would be so much more advantageous to the quail if they could move around from plot to plot,” she said.  She invited her neighbors to a Saturday morning breakfast with guest speaker Wisniewski. 

After Wisniewski discussed the wildlife benefits, the response was positive.  Residents quickly gathered to get sign-up information on WHIP.  The Elkins and other neighbors are currently enrolling their land into WHIP, and all it took was a little inspiration.  Elkins said, “We wanted to give something back.  It’s just one of those things, where you realize you just have to do something.”

For more information on the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program, contact your local USDA Service Center or visit the programs page on the Virginia NRCS website. 

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