ISU students are making history and conserving national wildlife and habitats.

Pheasants Forever, a nationwide organization, has never before had a student chapter on a university campus, but for over six weeks now Iowa State has had an official chapter, said Ed Powell, associate professor of zoology and genetics and faculty adviser.

“I think [other universities] are kind of looking at ISU to where it goes,” he said.

Jay Jung, president of the new Pheasants Forever chapter said he hopes opening a chapter at Iowa State has made it possible for other universities to start one.

“We’re kind of starting from scratch,” said Jung, sophomore in agricultural education. “The national office doesn’t really have a template for us to work with.”

Founding an ISU student chapter has not been entirely void of conflicts. Joseph Kooiker, a natural resource biologist for Story County Conservation, said there have been some statewide concerns regarding funds.

Although a new chapter has the potential to receive donations that longer-standing groups are used to receiving, he is not worried about serious problems arising.

The new chapter will host a banquet Saturday at the Scheman Building to raise money for various conservation activities, said Emily Rottinghaus, member of the ISU Pheasants Forever Publicity committee.

Jean Flynn, president of the Story County chapter, said at least 10 members have already purchased tickets to attend the banquet and support the students.

“I think [the new student chapter] is going to be a good deal,” she said.

As soon as the weather is warm enough, Rottinghaus, sophomore in agronomy, said the club will begin planting the different grasses, shrubs and trees to feed pheasants. Kooiker said students will be working with Ray Maylor, a private land owner in Story County, during their first project.

Jung and Kooiker both said Pheasants Forever is often stigmatized as a club for hunters, but is about a much larger subject – conservation.

“Lots of people like to watch birds or go for walks,” Kooiker said.