Preserving Ruffed Grouse In NWPA

Ruffed Grouse Habitat in the ANF NWPWA Presents Efforts to Preserve and Grow Ruffed Grouse in NW PA Edinboro, PA: The Northwest Pennsylvania Woodland Association (NWPWA) will be hosting an educational program on ruffed grouse habitat in Northwest Pennsylvania. The program will be held in the Allegheny National Forest on Saturday, June 13, 2026. Aaron Lewis (Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society), Greg Sanford (USFS – Allegheny National Forest), and Taylor Chamberlin (DCNR – Cornplanter District) will give us a guided tour of grouse habitat, while explaining the silvicultural process for sustainable timber harvesting that creates that habitat. Forestry experts will explain how a thoughtful and sustainable approach to forestry can help the PA grouse. Bill Benedict, President of the NWPWA, explained that "The ruffed grouse was named Pennsylvania's state bird in 1931. Most of today's younger Pennsylvanians have never seen one. They've become rare in recent decades. Most woodland stewards want to create environments where wildlife thrives as well as the trees. Many of us see our forests as an opportunity to encourage the rebuilding of the ruffed grouse population." Come join us for training on creating a habitat that will encourage the expansion of the ruffed grouse. The program is scheduled to run from 8:30am until 11:30am on Saturday, June 13 in the Allegheny National Forest. The event will take place on Forest Road (FR) 449 about 1 mile southeast of the intersection with Mayburg Road . The GPS coordinates are 41.620250, -79.249436. Admission is free. Registration begins at 8:15am. There will be plenty of time for asking questions of all the presenters. Refreshments will be available. For more information, email NWPAWoods@gmail.com or phone Bill Benedict at 814-881-4779. About the RGS: The Ruffed Grouse Society (which is partnered with the American Woodcock Society) unites conservationists to improve wildlife habitat and forest health for ruffed grouse, American woodcock and all forest wildlife. No other group in the conservation space is so focused on forest wildlife. Forests are essential, not just for wildlife, but for all life. About NWPWA: Founded in 1999, the NWPWA promotes healthy forests. NWPWA provides education on the methods and benefits of sustainable forestry and forest stewardship. We assist woodland owners in achieving their goals by sharing experiences and expertise. NWPWA tours and workshops – about 4 times a year - are where woodland owners and professionals share their experiences with each other. Members include landowners, forest managers, woodland professionals, and anyone interested in the forests of Northwestern PA. Most members and activities are in Erie, Crawford, and Warren PA counties. # # #