Volunteers Can Give Wildlife a Hand

If you've ever wanted to "do something for wildlife," the Idaho Department of Fish and Game has a golden opportunity for you. "We are seeking volunteers to contribute some of their precious 'spare' time to plant bitterbrush," Fish and Game volunteer coordinator Mary Dudley noted. Bitterbrush is a primary winter food source for mule deer. This year's planting effort targets a portion of the Boise Foothills adjacent to Highway 21, acreage that burned last summer and during July of 1996. "Planting bitterbrush is the first step toward restoration of this critical deer and elk winter range," Dudley stated. "Volunteers make it all possible, not to mention fun." Through the years, the annual effort has attracted hundreds of people of all ages and from all walks of life. "During the past two years alone, volunteers have planted 88,000 bitterbrush seedlings to help restore big game habitat," Dudley noted. Five weekend planting dates are currently scheduled: February 26, March 4, 11, 18, and 25. To learn more about this and other volunteer projects with Fish and Game, contact Dudley at 327-7099.