Got Quail?

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md., -- October 16, 2006 - Northern bobwhite, a Maryland native species of the quail family, is a valued inhabitant of farm landscapes, and an important aspect of rural culture and the heritage of hunting in Southern Maryland. However, the quail population in the region has declined 87 percent since 1980. This drastic decline is attributed to habitat disappearance due to urbanization, increased grassland cultivation and a transitioning of once grassy fields into woods and forests. The good news is that landowners can help to re-establish quail in Southern Maryland.

On Saturday, October 28, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., the Calvert County Agriculture Commission will sponsor a seminar on establishing quail habitats. Speakers from Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources and Calvert County Soil Conservation District will explain what you can do and what cost sharing programs are available for restoring quail habitat in Southern Maryland.

The seminar will be held, rain or shine, at Ireland’s Farm, 4874 Patience Place, Huntingtown, Md. – a farm with newly planted quail habitat consisting of warm and cool season grasses, trees and shrubs.

For questions or to register for this free seminar, call Jan Ashworth (Calvert County Agriculture Commission) at 410.535.4583 or Craig Mask (Calvert County Soil Conservation District) at 410.535.1521 ext. 3.

The Calvert County Agriculture Commission acts as an advisory board to the Calvert County Board of County Commissioners on issues that affect the County’s farming industry, promotes the continuance of viable farming industries in the County and works to develop new agri-businesses.

For more information on the Calvert County, Maryland Department of Economic Development, our visitor sites and attractions and the services available to assist County businesses, call 410.535.4583, 800.331.9771 or 301.855.1880; or send an e-mail to info@ecalvert.com