Mule Deer Foundation
Northern Front Range Chapter, Greeley, Colo.

“Fund-raising is great,” says chapter chairman Joe Straley. “But working on the habitat is the fun part.” Straley’s group teamed up with the Colorado Division of Wildlife to install wildlife drinkers in the 30,000-acre Cherokee State Wildlife Area, where water has been a limiting factor. So far, members have helped put in 25 of the spring-fed drinkers, which Straley says also help prevent the spread of chronic wasting disease, by keeping deer from concentrating at scarce water sources. Volunteers also plant trees and reseed pastures for cover and forage.

Pheasants Forever
McPherson Area Chapter, McPherson, Kan.

Partnering with a local energy company, this chapter started a not-for-profit outdoor classroom—the McPherson Valley Uplands. Volunteers have planted warm-season grasses and restored wetlands on the 46-acre property, where they will host hunter-safety courses and other youth events. “These guys are passionate about upland bird hunting and habitat, and they’re real doers,” says Brett Reber, president of the nonprofit. “This is something tangible. And they’re proud of it.”

Trout Unlimited
Snake River Cutthroats Chapter, Idaho Falls, Idaho

The focal point of this chapter’s work has been protecting its namesake species, which has been threatened by habitat loss and competition with rainbow trout. To help preserve the native strain, the group has installed weirs to trap rainbows, put up cattle fences, and even relocated entire channels. “I like to think of conservation as a bank account,” says member Paul Patterson. “If you don’t periodically put something back, someday you’re going to look and the resource will be gone.”