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MAINE - "Turkeys thrive where woodland edges are near crop fields. Throughout the year, but particularly during the growing season, the birds are attracted to fields of hay oats and corn. After the harvest they often find waste grains, weed seeds and insects in these same fields. Turkeys are also gregarious, forming flocks of 30 or more in summer and fall and 100 or more in the winter. As the turkey population grew in the 1980s, these large flocks became a frequent daytime sight in crop fields."* Soil and Water Conservation Districts from Piscataquis and Somerset Counties will host a workshop on Thursday, June 5th focusing on American wild turkey habits and habitat. The 3-hour workshop will begin at 9:00 AM at the Skowhegan Community Center on 39 Poulin Drive, Skowhegan, ME. Featured speakers at the event will be National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) Regional Biologist Doug Little, United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services State Director John Forbes, and Inland Fisheries and Wildlife biologist Bob Cordes. Workshop participants will gain an understanding of wild turkey biology, history and management. Topics covered will include how to manage wild turkeys in agricultural areas, and how to enhance properties for improved habitat. Registration donation for the workshop is $5.00 per person. Snacks and beverages will be provided. Pre - registration is requested by Friday, May 30th. Contact Carol at the Somerset County Soil and Water Conservation District at 474-8324 or info@somersetswcd.org or Joanna at the Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District at 564-2321 or info@piscataquisswcd.org for more information. The USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. * The above information is excerpted from Wild Turkeys and Agriculture. To view the complete article, please go to the Maine NWTF website at www.mainenwtf.org. The Maine NWTF is seeking new members to help with their mission of "the wise conservation and management of the American Wild Turkey". Youth may also join the NWTF (Jakes program), and will be eligible for college scholarships and other awards through their membership. If you are interested in becoming more involved with the Maine NWTF, please go to their website, click on chapters and find a chapter near you. Additional information on the American wild turkey can also be obtained through the National Wild Turkey Federation on their website at www.nwtf.org |
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