Volunteers with the Skylands Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society continue to work to improve habitat at Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge for ruffed grouse and American woodcock. Club members cut trees on five acres on March 27 to maintain shrubland habitat and restore vigor to aspen stands. This effort was one of several such work days the club organizes at the refuge each year. This effort also maintains habitat for several declining songbird species, including black-billed cuckoo, brown thrasher, blue-winged warbler and eastern towhee. Club members also cleared downed trees from access roads used by refuge staff for biological surveys.

NORTHEAST REGION, U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE -- Conserving the Nature of the Northeast