Managing ND team members, habitat programs, and advocacy efforts
Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are proud to announce the promotion of Emily Spolyar to North Dakota state coordinator. In her new role, Spolyar will drive ND habitat programs, lead a talented team of field staff, and work closely with partners to ensure habitat conservation continues to be recognized as a critically important driver of abundant wildlife populations, sustainable agriculture, healthy soil, and clean water.
“Emily has been a key part of our team in North Dakota for the last several years,” said Eran Sandquist, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s Midwest director of conservation delivery. “As an expert habitat advisor, partnership developer, and fanatic upland hunter, we’re excited to have her take this next career step with Pheasants Forever in North Dakota.”
Prior to joining Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever, Spolyar was a crop consultant for Nutrient Ag Solutions in Morenci, Mich. She joined The Habitat Organization in 2018 as a precision ag and conservation specialist, a position she held until being offered the role of state coordinator this spring. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in ag business from the University of Northwestern Ohio.
In her previous role, Spolyar evaluated cropland to identify historically unprofitable acres. Using this information, she advised farmers and ranchers on more efficient, profitable solutions for their operations to create sustainable landscapes. To date, she has helped plan and implement nearly 4,000 acres of perennial habitat and enrolled more than 7,300 acres of public access benefitting landowners and hunters alike.
Spolyar will now coordinate and lead state-level habitat and advocacy efforts in North Dakota, ensuring effective conservation delivery throughout the state’s pheasant and grouse range on public and private lands.
“During my time with The Habitat Organization, I’ve developed close relationships with partners, landowners, agricultural groups, and chapter members throughout the state,” Spolyar said. “This organization has given me a purpose; the ability to do meaningful work that directly impacts the things I care about most in my very own backyard. I’m ready to tackle the new, challenging opportunity of elevating the mission of Pheasants Forever in North Dakota.”
For more information about Pheasants Forever in North Dakota, contact Emily Spolyar (517) 250-2440 or espolyar@pheasantsforever.org.