Brunken Named Pheasants Forever Youth Coordinator in Michigan
Pheasants Forever 07.19.13
Looks to usher in new generation of outdoorspeople and hunters
Pheasants Forever (PF) recently hired Mary Brunken as the organization’s new outreach coordinator in Michigan. Brunken will work with the 36 Pheasants Forever chapters in the state, as well as other conservation organizations, to recruit and increase youth participation in upland hunting and other outdoor activities.
“Mary is a great addition to the Michigan team. Her enthusiasm and energy will help build strong chapters and further the work of the Michigan Pheasant Restoration Initiative (MPRI),” says Rich Wissink, Pheasants Forever national youth program manager.
One of Brunken’s first assignments in her new position will be to help coordinate the Great Outdoors Youth Jamboree, hosted by Michigan Pheasants Forever and other Michigan Pheasant Restoration Initiative partners. The event will provide hands-on outdoor, hunting, fishing and nature-oriented activities for youth. More than 500 youth and adult participants are expected to attend the September 8 event. For more information, please click here.
Brunken, a Michigan native, was raised with an appreciation for wildlife and the outdoors, which was instilled in her by her father, Brad Brunken, who is a longtime Pheasants Forever member. Her passion for the outdoors continued to grow as a youth and eventually led her to earn her degree in biology from Grand Valley State University. “I was lucky enough to be raised with a profound love and respect for the natural world around me, and my passion for it is endless,” said Brunken.
“My dream is to share my passion for wildlife conservation, which I have found in this position as outreach coordinator,” continued Brunken, “I look forward to educating future generations of outdoorspeople and creating lifelong partnerships with government agencies, private organizations and communities in my home state.”
Funding for Brunken’s position was made possible by Michigan Pheasants Forever chapters, Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Pheasants Forever’s Forever Shooting Sports Program.
Brunken started on July 15 and works from her home in Brighton, Michigan. She can be contacted at (810) 333-2060 or email Mary. For all other youth inquiries, please contact Rich Wissink at (715) 722-0286 or email Rich.
Pheasants Forever launched Quail Forever in August of 2005 to address the continuing loss of habitat suitable for quail and the subsequent quail population decline. Bobwhite population losses over the last 25 years range from 60 to 90 percent across the country. The reason for the quail population plunge is simple - massive losses of habitat suitable for quail. There are five major factors leading to the losses of quail habitat; intensified farming and forestry practices, succession of grassland ecosystems to forests, overwhelming presence of exotic grasses like fescue that choke out wildlife, and urban sprawl.
