Ruffed grouse were once a common avian species across southern Wisconsin, with very high densities in the Driftless Region. Since the 1980s, grouse numbers have declined in our area by over 90%. Scott Walter of Driftless Farms, LLC, will explore this decline in the context of forest ecology, and discuss what may be done to encourage grouse and other wildlife species dependent upon young forest habitats.

Scott Walter fell in love with wildlife on his 8-generation family farm near Viola. He has a BS in Biology from Beloit College and an MS and PhD in Wildlife Ecology from UW-Madison. He has 23 years of experience working in a variety of roles in academia (UW-Richland, UW-Platteville) and the Wisconsin DNR. He is currently working with his wife and kids to grow an organic maple syrup business on their farm.