Bluebird boxes installed, owl and wood‑duck homes planned as Eagle Scout projects finish

The Parks and Recreation Board heard that a recent Eagle Scout conservation effort delivered immediate wildlife benefits: 24 bluebird boxes were installed around the town's solar fields, and several already contained nests or young birds.

Board members said the original plan called for 22 boxes, but organizers bought extra materials to ensure at least 22 usable boxes; the completed installation yielded 24. Photos shared with the board showed active nests and chicks in multiple boxes. Organizers said they avoided disturbing nests while checking occupancy and will monitor the boxes next season.

Speakers also described related Scout projects planned for the summer, including owl boxes for screech, barn and great-horned owls, wood‑duck and bat boxes near the water-treatment area, and a mural to be painted on the town stage by a student named Eva starting in July. Volunteers and staff emphasized predator guards and a yearly cleaning plan to preserve nesting habitat.

Why it matters: The projects are small-scale habitat improvements that also serve as hands-on training for local youth and connect trail improvements to wildlife stewardship.

Next steps: Organizers will finalize mounting heights, predator-guard placement and a maintenance schedule; staff said they will post photos and monitor nesting activity next season.