Will ensure effective conservation delivery throughout quail range
Quail Forever (QF) is thrilled to introduce Mississippi and Alabama’s first state coordinator, John Mark Curtis. In his new role, Curtis will drive habitat programs, lead a talented team of field staff and work closely with partners, local chapters and other stakeholders. This work will ensure upland habitat continues to be recognized as a critically important driver of abundant wildlife populations while supporting sustainable agriculture, healthy soil and clean water.
“We’re excited to be able to elevate John Mark to the role of state coordinator for Mississippi and Alabama,” said Tim Caughran, Quail Forever’s director of conservation delivery for the southern region. “He’s formed great relationships with our valued partners in both states and will continue to strengthen those relationships, build new ones and grow our team’s impact in two key quail states.”
Curtis first worked for QF as a Farm Bill biologist, and advanced to a senior Farm Bill biologist for the organization in 2021. He holds a bachelor’s degree in wildlife, fisheries and aquaculture from Mississippi State University. Curtis has a wide variety of past work experiences, including northern bobwhite quail research, studying the effects of prescribed fire on plant communities, managing habitat on public land and more.
In his new role, Curtis will ensure effective conservation delivery throughout Mississippi and Alabama’s quail range on both public and private lands. He will also help build new and expand existing landscape-level habitat initiatives, including the wildlife biologist program and enhancement of quail habitat on wildlife management areas.
“For the past few years, I’ve worked to develop partner relationships and build an effective and knowledgeable team of biologists,” Curtis said. “I’m thrilled to take this next step toward growing quail habitat in Alabama and Mississippi.”
For more information about Quail Forever in Mississippi and Alabama, contact John Mark Curtis at JCurtis@QuailForever.org.