Wildlife advocates, habitat conservationists and quail hunters united to create the Midlands Chapter of Quail Forever (QF). This new chapter will focus its efforts within Richland and Lexington Counties. Landowners in Orangeburg County are also interested in joining. Due to the lack of land management for area habitat, increased crop production, and suburban growth, the Midlands group of founding members decided to take action before the quail situation worsened.

"The quail populations in the area are struggling for a number of reasons," explained Andy Edwards, regional wildlife biologist for QF. "We must combat the quail losses with not only habitat restoration and conservation, but using education as a tool as well."

In order to successfully contribute to local quail habitat and populations, the Midlands chapter plans to execute a two- fold plan. This conservation blueprint encompasses both the renewal of habitat and the implementation of youth conservation education. (931) 424-3211 aedwards@quailforever.org www.quailforever.org