With over 90 acres enrolled in seven different conservation practices, Northwest Ohio's Kevin Countryman is enjoying the natural beauty and sounds of wildlife that are living in an area of habitat he created just for them. An avid outdoorsman, Kevin's love of nature and desire to establish natural habitat areas have found a partner in the Farm Service Agency's (FSA) Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).

"As Americans, we take many things for granted," Kevin said. "Without marshes and grasses, we can't enjoy the natural water purification process, the reduction of erosion, the beauty, sounds and the gratification that you have added to instead of taken away resources which are much more limited than many of us may think."

Kevin's partnership with CRP began in 2000 and is still going strong. He has enrolled practices to establish wildlife habitat with native grasses, hardwood trees, windbreaks, food plots, filter strips, and over 24 acres of wetland restoration. He also participates in the Natural Resource Conservation Service's (NRCS) Wetland Reserve Program. He has won several awards for his conservation efforts, including the Northwest Ohio Rivers Council Environment Sensitivity Award and the Lake Erie Buffer Award. Kevin is an active member of Ducks Unlimited and Pheasants Forever.

"When it comes to wetland establishment for waterfowl habitats, Kevin has become an expert," said Michael Weaver, Defiance County NRCS' District Conservationist. "He is unique in that he has provided all different types of wetland habitat." Kevin has established open water areas, emergent wetland areas, shrubby areas, flooded timber areas, mud flats and wet meadow areas. With such a wide variety of wetland types, many animals rarely seen in the area today due to lack of adequate habitat, have now found a home.

"Over 90 percent of Ohio's original wetland habitat has been lost to development and crop farming," said Michael. "Kevin is filling an important habitat niche." His wetland projects are regarded as some of the most successful in the area. They are often used as examples in presentations and on tours of local conservation efforts.

A successful local businessman, Kevin has purchased several pieces of rural land specifically for habitat restoration projects. While urbanization continues to threaten and destroy vital habitat areas, it is a tribute to CRP to help someone who is passionate about nature and finds conservation a worthy investment.

A bunny among the cover and food sources provided by CRP vegetation.

CRP wildlife food plots complement habitat practices.

CRP participant Kevin Countryman has developed several different types of wetlands through programs, including CRP.

Geese flock to Kevin Countryman's wetland.

A heron enjoys the wetland restoration practice results.