Volunteers are needed to help improve wildlife habitat this spring in Southwest Idaho. Each spring, Idaho Fish and Game's Volunteer Habitat Program makes use of the soil moisture conditions to chip away at the need to rehabilitate areas invaded by exotic grasses and burned by recent fires. "Early spring (and late fall) is the perfect time of year to plant shrub seedlings in Idaho and expect them to establish for wildlife to utilize in the future," Michael Young, Wildlife Biologist at Idaho Fish and Game said.
Young expects to plant seedlings at three important areas this spring: the Keithley Fire area north of Weiser, the Weiser cove area, and a recent burn area near Spring Shores outside of Boise. All of these areas are important to big game and upland game species as well as a host of other species from bumblebees to elk.
The project is expected to occur on five Saturdays including March 7, 14, 21, 28 and April 4. "Come one, come all is our motto," Young noted. "We encourage sporting groups, community and church groups, clubs, students and scouting organizations to get involved." All tools and equipment will be provided and transportation is available from the Boise/Nampa area if volunteers RSVP. For more information or to sign up for a project, contact Young at: michael.young@idfg.idaho.gov.