Youth Pheasants Forever Chapter Formed in Mahaska County—First in the Nation

Brooks VanDerBeek of Oskaloosa has started the first ever Youth Pheasants Forever chapter, the Oskaloosa Pioneering Ringnecks.  The group is designed as a way for middle school and high school aged kids to get involved in local habitat conservation.  After holding their first elections, the assembled youth chose Brooks VanDerBeek as the first president, Tara Durian as the vice president, Jordan Lowry as treasurer, Nick DeJong  secretary and Brandon Sage as habitat chairman.  Oskaloosa High School Science Teacher, Mike Goudy will serve as the youth chapter’s advisor. 

Like other PF chapters across the country, the newly formed youth group will be required to hold annual fundraising events and spend the money raised on conservation and education.  Pheasants Forever is often referred to as the “Habitat Organization”  for their efforts to conserve grassland ecosystems, purchase public hunting ground and provide incentives for private landowners to improve upland habitat on their property.  With fewer Iowa acres in CRP and dwindling state budgets for DNR programs, now more than ever, the work of private conservation groups like PF are vital to the preservation of wildlife habitat in our state.  It’s a wonderful thing to see young people taking an active leadership role in this important work. 

Right now the newly formed group is recruiting more members.  If you know of a young person who’d like to join the Pioneering Ringnecks PF chapter you can contact Brooks VanDerBeek at bv2-22@hotmail.com or by calling 641-673-0119.