Second Century Habitat Fund Honored with Habitat Defender Award
The Second Century Habitat Fund (SCHF) was honored with the Habitat Defender Award at the Gala for the Grasslands on February 19 during the 2026 National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic.
Hosted by Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever, the Gala for the Grasslands highlights the importance of conserving North America’s grasslands and brings together conservation partners committed to protecting wildlife habitat and working lands.
The Habitat Defender Award recognizes organizations and partners who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to protecting and restoring wildlife habitat. Receiving this award places SCHF among a select group of conservation partners recognized nationally for their contributions to habitat conservation.
Since its founding, SCHF has contributed nearly $250,000 toward habitat projects with Pheasants Forever, helping expand conservation opportunities for landowners and improve grassland habitat across South Dakota. Together, SCHF and Pheasants Forever have helped restore thousands of acres of habitat by turning conservation investments into real projects on the ground.
A key part of this partnership is SCHF’s ability to work closely with Pheasants Forever biologists across South Dakota. Their technical expertise and local relationships help move conservation projects from planning to implementation, ensuring landowners have trusted guidance throughout the entire process. This collaboration allows conservation funding to translate into meaningful habitat improvements on working lands.
Grasslands are among the most threatened ecosystems in the world. Only about five percent of the United States’ original prairie remains, and more than 53 million acres of grasslands have been lost across the Great Plains since 2009. Protecting what remains — and restoring what has been lost — depends on strong conservation partnerships that help landowners implement practical, on-the-ground habitat solutions.
This recognition reflects more than the work of one organization. Habitat conservation in South Dakota succeeds because of an exceptional network of conservation partners working together toward shared goals.
South Dakota is fortunate to have a conservation community where agencies and nonprofit organizations collaborate closely to support landowners. Partners coordinate efforts, share expertise, and focus on delivering results on the ground, allowing landowners to move forward with conservation projects without navigating a complicated process.
This cooperative approach is one of South Dakota’s greatest conservation strengths and serves as a model for other states when building effective habitat programs.
"This award represents the collective effort behind habitat conservation in South Dakota," said SCHF Executive Director Elysabeth Kierl. "We are grateful for the partnership with Pheasants Forever and the many conservation organizations working together to support landowners and restore habitat across our state."
The Habitat Defender Award reflects the contributions of SCHF supporters, partners, and participating landowners who continue to make habitat restoration possible.
SCHF remains committed to expanding habitat restoration efforts and strengthening partnerships that keep South Dakota a national leader in grassland conservation.
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About the Second Century Habitat Fund
The Second Century Habitat Fund (SCHF) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to restoring and retaining wildlife habitat across South Dakota. By partnering with landowners, conservationists, and community leaders, SCHF works to ensure healthy grasslands, thriving wildlife, and the continuation of South Dakota’s proud outdoor heritage for generations to come.