Hutchinson, Minnesota. – April 1, 2025 – Thanks to generous volunteers, The Wildlife Habitat Conservation Society of McLeod County will continue to support habitat and access in Minnesota, even after sunsetting the organization. Founded in 1985, McLeod County Conservation Society has shifted its focus after almost five decades of work. As a parting contribution to Minnesota’s natural resources, the organization has transferred assets of nearly $1 million to Pheasants Forever, including a 40-acre property.
The Wildlife Habitat Conservation Society of McLeod County was primarily created to raise funds through local charitable gambling efforts. Volunteer Mark Smith led the organization for several years, and said he has faith their mission will be continued through Pheasants Forever.
“The Society was always about local habitat projects and conservation, working alongside Pheasants Forever and other conservation groups to protect wildlife habitat. With most of the leadership growing older, the loss of our sales location and no more ability to raise funds, we thought it was time to make a change,” Smith said. “Really, what it came down to is we wanted to have the money actively go to the mission. With Pheasants Forever, we can be assured of good accounting and oversight, and we have a strong trust in their commitment to the mission. So, we were very comfortable that this was the right thing to do.”
Smith was also honored with the Making a Difference award in January 2025, which is given to those that go above and beyond the call of duty to further the Pheasants Forever mission. He was lauded for his work with the local Pheasants Forever chapter, as well as with the Wildlife Habitat Conservation Society.
“Through his leadership, Mark has not only transformed landscapes but also transformed lives,” said Will Clayton, a Pheasants Forever senior regional representative. “His work stands as a beacon of hope and a model of what can be achieved when one person dedicates their life to making a difference.”
The donation will support Pheasants Forever’s Build A Wildlife Area (BAWA) program focused initially on projects in McLeod County. By permanently protecting high-quality habitat, Pheasants Forever’s acquisition strategy through the BAWA provides robust solutions for rural economic development, soil health and water stewardship — while simultaneously prioritizing maximum impact for pheasants, quail and associated wildlife.
About Pheasants Forever
Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever make up the nation's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to upland habitat conservation. This community of more than 480,000 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 28.8 million acres.
Media Contact
Dave Schwarz, Minnesota Outreach Coordinator
DSchwarz@pheasantsforever.org
Photo caption: Pheasants Forever Regional Representative Will Clayton, right, presents Mark Smith of the McLeod County chapter with the Making a Difference award during the Minnesota Pheasants Forever State Convention Saturday, January 18, 2025, at the Willmar Convention Center. (Dave Schwarz/Pheasants Forever)