Nebraskaland

March 2021 • Nebraskaland 63 in a number of counties in southeastern Nebraska, where Leuenberger lives. Grassland habitat is much more limited there compared to the Sandhills, but well-managed CRP fi elds like Leuenberger's provide the species with important habitat. Leuenberger's lek project might not be a realistic venture for all landowners, Laux said. Having the proper surrounding landscape — large blocks of native grasslands — is crucial. Even then, success would likely be rare. "If landowners want more prairie grouse on their property, they should fi rst focus on providing other necessary habitat elements, including suitable grassland cover for nesting and brood-rearing," Laux said. He called Leuenberger's project "a great example of how conservation programs like CRP can benefi t wildlife and be tailored to fi t a landowner's interests." Landowners interested in improving habitat for greater prairie-chickens can contact their local USDA Service Center or Game and Parks district offi ce or service center. Savoring the Success Leuenberger has established two viewing blinds on his property so he can share the excitement of seeing the birds with friends and family. The coronavirus pandemic halted some of the first viewings, but he's hopeful others can join him in the blinds this year. For her part, Ferguson said working on this project was a highlight of her career. "It's unique to anything that I've been involved with, and I'm so happy for Dan," she said. "There isn't a nicer guy that deserves to enjoy what he's wanted to create and worked so hard for." N PHOTO BY RENAE BLUM More Than Just a Lek Leuenberger's CRP project went beyond just establishing a lek. He also planted a mid-height mix of grasses and wildflowers, including little bluestem and aromatic aster, as brood-rearing habitat for game birds. And he planted a tallgrass mix with species such as big bluestem, Indian grass and butterfly milkweed as nesting cover for game birds and other grassland birds. The wildflowers in these mixes will also provide great pollinator habitat and a riot of color from spring through fall. A dedicated conservationist, Leuenberger has other conservation projects in the works. In recent years, he established several food plots on his land, planting wheat, milo, sunflowers and other crops as food sources for songbirds, deer, doves, quail and other game birds. In one area, he also replaced a stand of invasive eastern red cedar trees with a planting of 25 bur oak seedlings. Bur oaks offer habitat and food for a variety of species, including squirrels, turkeys, deer, mushrooms and hundreds of species of insects. Leuenberger leads the Copple family — Chanda; Cameron, one of Leuenberger's hunter education students; and Ben — on a quail hunt at his Johnson County property. A love of hunting inspired Leuenberger's lek project.

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