NWTF Volunteers Help Restore El Dorado National Forest
EDGEFIELD, S.C. — On a crisp fall morning, a small but mighty crew gathered at the Placerville Ranger District office with a simple mission: leave the forest better than they found it. By day’s end, thanks to the dedication of National Wild Turkey Federation volunteers, a site once marred by abandoned trash had been transformed.
Recently, two members of the NWTF River City Roost Chapter out of Sacramento — Jeff Lomas and Ron Marchio — joined forces with USDA Forest Service recreational staff and interns and NWTF staff for a cleanup effort on El Dorado National Forest outside of Placerville. What had long been an illegal dumping site and abandoned homeless camp was cleared out through teamwork, grit and a shared love for public lands.
“Jeff and Ron showed up ready to work, and they absolutely made a difference,” said Krista Modlin, NWTF district biologist for California, Oregon, Washington and Nevada. “Their energy and commitment set the tone for the day. Showing up with a positive attitude to conduct work that is not very glorifying made the difference in making the day filled with laughs and upbeat energy! It’s incredible what can be accomplished when dedicated volunteers and agency partners come together for the health of our forests.”
The cleanup was conducted under a grant NWTF received from the Forest Service to support forest stewardship and restoration efforts. Over the years, the NWTF has worked alongside the Forest Service on the El Dorado National Forest to improve wildlife habitat and forest health. These cleanup days build on those efforts and represent a growing partnership — one that includes not only landscape-level conservation work but also hands-on volunteer opportunities for NWTF members who want to make a visible impact.
“Public lands are where we hunt, hike, camp and create lifelong memories with friends and family,” Modlin said. “When NWTF volunteers step up like this, they’re helping protect those experiences for future generations.”
This day of service exemplified the power of collaboration. In just a few hours, the group removed debris and restored the site, immediately improving the forest for wildlife and the people who enjoy it. These efforts are more than just cleanups — they’re tangible demonstrations of conservation in action, led by everyday people who care deeply about the land.
The NWTF plans to continue this work, with additional cleanup days scheduled for next spring and early summer. The organization invites members and supporters to get involved, lend a hand and experience firsthand the difference that a small team can make.
About the National Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 24 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested over $10 million into wild turkey research to guide the management of the wild turkey population and to ensure sustainable populations into perpetuity. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale through its Four Shared Values: clean and abundant water, healthy forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF continues its work to provide Healthy Habitats and Healthy Harvests for future generations.