Topeka native honored for leadership in habitat conservation
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Keith Kerns, of the Kaw Valley Quail Unlimited (QU) Chapter in Topeka, was recently recognized as the QU Central Plains Region “Golden Quail” award winner during the QU National Convention in Springfield, Mo. The award is presented by QU Central Plains Regional Director Bob Peterson to a volunteer who has exhibited outstanding service in creating quail habitat in the region.

“Keith’s personal performance as the QU chapter chairman and the subsequent results of his input, guidance, and leadership, put him at the top of my list,” said Peterson.

“The chairman position of any QU chapter requires a considerable amount of one's personal time and effort," Kerns said upon receiving the award. "Being recognized for that is a very nice distinction. It helped me realize that our chapter’s members can and do make a difference when it comes to the conservation of the northern bobwhite.”

The QU national convention was attended by chapter members and delegates, various state wildlife biologists, quail enthusiasts, exhibitors, and vendors from across the U.S. Featured speakers shared their quail research project findings to convention attendees. Critical quail habitat information was provided by Jim Pitman, small game coordinator for the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.

For more information on QU, phone Peterson at 417-359-5807 or email him at bpeterson@qu.org
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