NWTF Legacy Cemented in Pennsylvania Game Commission Conservation Heritage Museum
EDGEFIELD, S.C. — Thanks to the efforts of the Pennsylvania NWTF State Chapter's volunteer leaders, the NWTF's 50-plus years of conservation success and the broader history of the wild turkey are now cemented in the Pennsylvania Game Commission's Conservation Heritage Museum in Stevens, Pennsylvania, which sees over 100,000 visitors every year.
"We have such an incredible story that is worth telling, and this new NWTF exhibit brings that story to life," said Ralph Martone, Pennsylvania State Chapter treasurer. "We are proud of the collaborative efforts it took to get this across the finish line to where people can come learn about our story. Also vital to the success of this exhibit was Don Heckman, for without him, the Pennsylvania State Chapter would not be what it is today, and this exhibit would not be possible."
This exhibit not only celebrates the NWTF’s past success, but it also serves as a reminder of the importance of ongoing conservation efforts, inspiring visitors to take part in America’s great conservation story.
The exhibit, designed to be both educational and engaging, features a television that cycles through multiple NWTF videos and three life-sized wall displays that chronicle the history and restoration of the wild turkey and the NWTF's history of conservation success. The exhibit covers everything from the alarming lows experienced in the early 20th century to the wild turkey efforts happening today, providing a comprehensive and interactive learning experience for all visitors.
Moreover, the fourth wallboard is dedicated to Heckman. For almost 50 years, Heckman championed the NWTF and PGC's efforts to conserve the wild turkey. His name was synonymous with the Pennsylvania NWTF State Chapter, helping start the state chapter in 1975. Heckman relentlessly pursued the scientific management of the wild turkey, often working to keep the PGC, the state chapter and NWTF members focused on the latest science behind wild turkey management.
When Heckman passed in 2016, significant donations were submitted to the Pennsylvania NWTF State Chapter in his name which helped fund this exhibit.
The Pennsylvania Conservation Heritage Museum is attached to the north end of the existing Visitors Center at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area. Middle Creek is an ideal location to showcase such an important story (of the wild turkey and many other conservation successes), with more than 100,000 visitors yearly. The museum features artifacts dating back to the PGC’s formation and showcases the agency's history through today.
Various learning platforms, interactive displays and hands-on exhibits provide visitors with an understanding of Pennsylvania's conservation history, PGC's role, and actions they can take to further conservation in their lives. With joint funding from the Conservation Officers of Pennsylvania, the PGC brings Pennsylvania's conservation history to life at Middle Creek.
"The NWTF is honored to be a part of the museum at Middle Creek," Martone said. "We are lucky to live in a state that values our natural resources and tirelessly works to conserve them."
About the National Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 23 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested over $9 million into wild turkey research to guide the management of the wild turkey population and to ensure sustainable populations into perpetuity. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale through its Four Shared Values: clean and abundant water, healthy forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities, and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF continues its work to provide Healthy Habitats. and Healthy Harvests. for future generations.