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Student and Youth Outreach
by Lowell Peterson, co-chair, BRAW Student and Youth Outreach Committee
The Fourth Grade class at Somerset Elementary School has placed five nest boxes on school grounds. The boxes were placed in early April. Box monitoring is being done as a part of the student science class.
The teacher, Mrs. Jody Keller, says the children are excited and very interested in this project. One of the boxes was placed near a class window, and a few days later, both bluebirds and Tree Swallows were seen visiting the box. Early success has been observed, with both bluebird and Tree Swallow nests being started. Somerset is in St. Croix County.
Somerset Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts placed nest boxes at Homestead Parklands on Perch Lake as an Earth Day event on April 20, 2002. The Girl Scouts provided materials for the nest boxes, and six boy scouts built them. Within a half-hour after nest boxes were placed, several bluebirds seen flying around and perching on the boxes. Mrs. Ann Marie Woods, Girl Scout leader, will guide the girls with monitoring throughout the summer. Reports will be submitted to BRAW at the end of the season. Homestead Parklands is also in St. Croix County.
BRAW members, think about contacting your local school or youth group about initiating a bluebird trail for the next season. Contacts should be made early enough before next spring in order for teachers and leaders to get approvals and information. BRAW has information packets available to help get the groups started. Packets can be requested from Mary Holleback, 720 Madison St., West Bend, WI 53095 (262) 335-9843 or Lowell Peterson, 1860 45th St, Somerset, WI 54025. Thank you.
BRAW THANKS AMERICAN FAMILY INSURANCE
2001 was the year when the “School and Youth Outreach” program was established within BRAW. The programs’ mission is to introduce the knowledge and joy of bluebirding to youth. American Family Insurance has generously contributed $300 to assist in that goal.
Co-chairs, Lowell Peterson and Mary Holleback, are diligently working to prepare information packets for interested schools. These packets will contain background information, nestbox plans, recommended nestbox locations, trail monitoring and reporting ideas. Lowell and Mary will assist the schools in any way they can.
With American Family’s financial assistance, the youth of Wisconsin will enjoy a hands-on experience in bluebirding and hopefully become the future bluebirders of Wisconsin.
Thank you American Family Insurance for your contribution. (signed) Members of BRAW