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RGS & AWS Receives Grant to Improve 28,600 Acres of Habitat in the Northeast

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Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society (RGS & AWS) is proud to announce a major new investment in forest health and wildlife habitat across the Northeast. Through generous support from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s 2025 Northeast Forests and Rivers Fund, we’ve been awarded a $274,340 grant to advance large-scale forest resilience and habitat management across 28,600 acres in northern New York and Vermont’s Champlain Valley. This work is part of a larger collaborative effort that leverages an additional $274,340 in matching contributions from partners and supporters. At a time when Northeast U.S. forests are facing mounting pressures from...

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Restoring Forests and Habitat in Central New York: 1,400 Trees and Shrubs Planted at Heiberg Memorial Forest

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by Todd Waldron, Forest Conservation Director, Northeast U.S., Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society On a cool, rainy Saturday morning in late April, the spirit of healthy forests and quality habitat came to life in Central New York through a boots-on-the-ground project at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry’s (SUNY ESF) Heiberg Memorial Forest. Thirty-seven volunteers, including SUNY ESF students and faculty, along with Central New York RGS & AWS chapter members joined forces to plant 1,400 native trees and shrubs across a series of restoration plots. This was more than just a tree planting event; it was a...

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A Legacy Rooted in the Outdoors – Benjamin E. Jeffries

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Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society (RGS & AWS) is honored to announce the generous donation of 72 acres of forestland in Frankfort, Maine, (in Waldo County) by the Benjamin E. Jeffries Family Trust. This incredible gift reflects the late Mr. Jeffries’ lifelong dedication to the outdoors, upland hunting and forest conservation, and ensures his legacy will inspire future generations of conservationists and sportsmen alike. A Legacy Rooted in the Outdoors Benjamin E. Jeffries was a passionate outdoorsman with deep ties to Maine’s upland hunting culture. His vision for the land he stewarded was clear: to enhance its conservation value and...

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Standing for Active Forest Management: RGS & AWS Supports White Mountain National Forest Stewardship

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At the Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society (RGS & AWS), we believe in the transformative power of actively managed forests—for wildlife, for hunters and for future generations. That’s why we’re proud to announce our role as a key partner in an amicus brief supporting the U.S. Forest Service’s management plans for the White Mountain National Forest (WMNF). This initiative underscores our unwavering commitment to science-based forest management and habitat conservation. The amicus brief, spearheaded by the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, brings together a diverse coalition of like-minded organizations. Partners include the Appalachian Mountain Club, Northern...

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Maine’s Upland Hunting Season Proposal

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We need your voice! A recent proposal aims to change Maine’s upland hunting season, with the season now potentially starting later and closing on cast-and-blast weekends. This means fewer opportunities for families, bird hunters, and out-of-state visitors to enjoy Maine’s outdoor heritage. Our community members have spoken out against this change at recent public hearings, raising several concerns: Impact on Local Economies: Shortening the season could cost small businesses, like guides and lodges, up to $64,000 for just a few days of lost hunting trips. Lack of Data: The proposal seems to be based on perceived “conflicts” rather than actual data on moose...

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