MARSHALL –They’ve been active for more than 40 years in Lyon County, and through all that time, the mission has been the same for Lyon County Pheasants Forever.

“It all comes back down to habitat and conservation,” said Ron Prorok, treasurer of Lyon County Pheasants Forever. Being able to conserve habitat for pheasants also has benefits for other wildlife and people, he said.

Lyon County Pheasants Forever chapter will be celebrating its 41st year at its annual banquet Saturday. The event starts at 5 p.m. at 5 Family Ranch near Marshall.

Lyon County Pheasants Forever started out with a committee of around a dozen people, Prorok said. While the group’s size ebbs and flows, it’s had good longevity, he said. “People see it as a valid endeavor.”

The chapter is still busy today. Prorok said Lyon County Pheasants Forever helped add 40 acres to the Prairie Marshes Wildlife Management Area in Lyon County, and in the fall they hosted an annual event for novice hunters.

“We continue to do some outdoor enhancement projects,” like removing invasive plants or trees from wildlife habitat, Prorok said. The chapter also hopes to work on removing old barbed wire fences from areas where they pose a hazard to wildlife, dogs and hunters.

In January, Lyon County Pheasants Forever also received special recognition for its total cumulative contributions to habitat and conservation projects. A total of 16 chapters from around Minnesota were recognized with a Conservation Excellence award at the Pheasants Forever state convention.

Lyon County Pheasants Forever was recognized for reaching a total of $11 million in conservation contributions. Those contributions help create improvements to upland and wetland areas, and help improve water quality, reduce erosion and build habitat.

It’s a big achievement, Prorok said – only one other chapter in Minnesota has reached the $11 million level.

“We’ve had support from the local community,” he said.

Lyon County Pheasants Forever is looking forward to a good turnout at this weekend’s banquet. “We’re really excited about the new venue,” at 5 Family Ranch, Prorok said.

Prorok said tickets for the banquet will be available at the door on Saturday. The event will feature a meal catered by the Hitching Post, as well as games of chance and an opportunity to socialize and have fun.