As a partnership-based initiative, PHD projects are mutually beneficial to both the landowner as well as providing the land with the required habitat elements to increase and sustain southern Alberta’s wildlife populations. Guided by the expertise of the PHD Wildlife Habitat Technicians, projects and activities are flexible and tailored to the needs of the individual landowners and their farming operations. Trees and shrubs are provided by the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Association (PFRA) at no cost to the landowner. Fencing materials are also provided by the PHD program in cases where livestock exclusion is necessary.  Local students are hired for the summer months to help plant trees, apply mulch, replace dead trees and assist in watering, weeding, and maintenance of sites for up to three years, all at no cost to the landowner.

The scope of the five-year expansion program includes all 13 Irrigation Districts in southern Alberta representing a total of 1,300,000 acres. Within these districts, the PHD program currently operates in the major communities of Strathmore, Brooks, Medicine Hat, Vauxhall, Lethbridge and Raymond.

The program was founded by the Calgary Chapter of Pheasants Forever and the Eastern Irrigation District in 1998. Since then many other partners have joined the effort, providing technical knowledge, funding assistance, and in-kind support. These partnerships with community landowners, local municipalities, irrigation districts, regional environmental and conservation organizations, corporations, foundations, individuals and various government departments are the very essence of the PHD program.