The Crowing Post:  4/7/08

2,000 Youths Becoming PF Members at Nebraska Outdoors Expo

Pheasants Forever's (PF) Ringnecks youth program will welcome approximately 2,000 new members on April 17^th & 18^th.  Pre-registered elementary students will be given the free memberships at the Nebraska Outdoors Expo at the FirsTier Events Center in Kearney, Neb. The memberships are being underwritten by the Nebraska PF/QF State Council.

"Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are excited to be part of this event where kids are introduced to outdoor activities," said Drew Larsen, Regional Wildlife Biologist for PF/QF, "Our organization is commitment to youth education and getting more kids outside to enjoy our Nebraska resources." As Ringnecks members, the students will receive a year's subscription to the "Upland Tales" magazine (4 issues), a Ringnecks membership card, and an invitation to their local PF chapter banquet.

Expo 2008 is for youth and adults. On Thursday-Friday, April 17-18, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. the Expo will host pre-registered students in grades 4 through 6. On Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. the Expo welcomes everyone from tots to their grandparents.

The Expo is being hosted by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and Cabela's, Inc, plus numerous partner organizations and volunteers. The FirsTier Event Center is located at the Kearney I-80 Interchange. Activities and demonstrations will be held in the Event Center, as well as on the grounds around the center and the adjacent Kea Lake State Wildlife Management Area. For more information on the Expo, including a complete list of activity options, log onto www.ngpc.state.ne.us/ and click on "Expo."

PF's Ringnecks youth program is open to any young person interested in the outdoors and conservation. To sign up, call PF toll free at (877)773-2070 or log onto the PF website at www.PheasantsForever.org. Ringnecks membership is $15 annually. You may also visit www.Ringnecks.org for more information.

PF and its quail division, Quail Forever (QF), are non-profit conservation organizations dedicated to the protection and enhancement of pheasant, quail, and other wildlife populations in North America through habitat improvement, land management, public awareness, and education. PF/QF have more than 115,000 members in 700 local chapters across the continent. The organization boasts almost 16,000 youth members.

      habitat today….pheasants forever!