October 31, 2025 – Syracuse, Neb. – Quail Forever (QF) is proud to introduce the newest chapter in Nebraska. The Covey Crossroads Chapter will cover Otoe and Cass counties, while also drawing members from the surrounding area of southeastern Nebraska. This group will strive to conserve the remaining quail habitat – protecting future generations’ access to wildlife and hunting.
Unique among national conservation organizations, chapters of Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever retain 100 percent decision-making control over fundraising dollars, allowing volunteers to support impactful wildlife habitat projects, public access initiatives and conservation education programs throughout the upland bird range. QF’s Nebraska regional representative, Jackson Ellis, will work closely with the new chapter to support the organization’s vision to sustain abundant populations of wild quail, pheasants and other wildlife.
“I’m excited to have a chapter that has, in a very short amount of time already shown great passion for habitat and quail in southeast Nebraska,” Ellis said. “They’re excited to hit the ground running and make an impact on quail country!”
Working together with Ellis to form this new chapter was QF team member, Ryan Sparks, who is a native of the area. He was inspired to start this chapter after recently moving back home and helping to rally fellow conservation enthusiasts.
“We started this chapter to ensure that conservation isn’t just something we talk about – it’s something we live,” Sparks said. “Our chapter stands for the land, the birds, and the traditions that tie them together.”
Volunteers for the chapter are excited to bring Quail Forever’s habitat mission to the region to benefit all wildlife. They have already made a $1,000 donation to QF’s Build a Wildlife Area® program and partnered with the Cass County Pheasants Forever Chapter to seed four acres of land to native grasses and wildflowers.
Southeast Nebraska is one of the last strongholds of wild quail in the country. The traditions of quail hunting have a deep history in this area and are woven into the fabric of these communities. In a place where farming and hunting have long connected people with the land, the chapter wants to ensure these traditions can continue for future generations.
The Covey Crossroads Chapter of Quail Forever is currently planning their first banquet and an event to host local farmers and conservation professionals. To learn more about upcoming events, contact chapter president Ryan Sparks at RSparks@quailforever.org. For more information about Quail Forever in Nebraska, contact Jackson Ellis at JEllis@quailforever.org.
About Quail Forever
Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever make up the nation's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to upland habitat conservation. This community of more than 500,000 members, supporters and partners is dedicated to the protection of our uplands through habitat improvement, public access, education and advocacy. A network of 754 local chapters spread across North America determine how 100 percent of their locally raised funds are spent — the only national conservation organization that operates through this grassroots structure. Since its creation in 1982, the organization has dedicated more than $1 billion to 580,000 habitat projects benefiting 31 million acres.
Media Contact
Mikayla Peper
715-294-0688
MPeper@quailforever.org