Wildlife partnerships plant seeds of conservation in Henry County

MT. PLEASANT — In Henry County, partnerships between local conservation officials and wildlife organizations are helping transform public lands into habitat for wildlife and new opportunities for young hunters.

Henry County Conservation, led by Director Caleb Waters, has been working closely with groups like Pheasants Forever and Friends of Conservation to plant food plots in county recreation areas. These plots, planted with wildlife-friendly crops like corn and sorghum, are designed to attract pheasants and other game while supporting broader conservation goals.

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“When I was at Geode, I really relied on partners to help fund projects and or just make improvements,” Waters said. “So, I really tried to carry that into this position due to budget cuts and whatnot. So, we’ve been partnering with Friends of Conservation for some time. We’ve also been really trying to partner with Pheasants Forever.”

Waters explained that Pheasants Forever provides a large supply of food plot seed for area landowners. Henry County Conservation helps store and distribute that seed for a few weeks each spring. In return, the county receives seed to plant in its own recreation areas.

“We house that for a couple weeks,” Waters said. “In turn, they give us food plot seeds so we can plant some of our recreation areas.”

According to Henry County Conservation, these food plots not only attract game but also help promote youth hunting by increasing wildlife activity in designated hunting areas.

Pheasants Forever emphasizes that successful food plots depend largely on their location and size. Plots should ideally be placed next to heavy winter cover, such as shelterbelts or wetlands, and large block-type plots — typically between 4 to 15 acres — are most effective at providing both food and shelter.

“Winter food isn’t usually scarce,” according to Pheasants Forever materials, “but cover with food nearby is essential for survival, especially for hens that need to gain weight to successfully nest in the spring.”

Corn and grain sorghum are among the most reliable crops for food plots because they stand up well to winter weather and retain grain on the stalk, providing high-energy nutrition for pheasants, quail, and other wildlife. Smaller plots can still be effective if placed near adequate winter cover and designed to prevent snow drifting.

Food plots also benefit a wide range of species, including deer, turkey, and songbirds. However, conservation experts caution that larger animals like deer and turkey can consume significant amounts of grain, which may exhaust food resources before winter ends.

Whether planted using standard tractors and equipment or broadcast with ATVs, food plots offer a practical and effective way for conservation groups and landowners to improve wildlife habitat. Local conservation offices, including Henry County’s, may have equipment available for rent, or work with partner organizations to help with planting.

Waters said the success of this effort comes down to cooperation and shared resources.

“I really tried to carry that cooperation and those relationships into this position,” Waters said of working with partners. “They allow us to do more with less, and the impact really shows out on the land.”

Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com