Wood duck box project brings this New York community together

Black Lake, N.Y. — In early March, the Black Lake Fish and Game Association held its annual Wood Duck Nesting Box construction workshop, something the organization has been doing for several years.

This year, 26 kids showed up with hammers in hands and drills to construct wood duck nesting boxes and were eager to get down to business. They were provided informational handouts on the construction of the box and its outdoor placement. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends and several club members (38 adults) were among those in attendance to assist.

The group says the takeaways for each child include experiencing hand-and-eye coordination while using the tools, understanding how hammers, drills, wood and nails interact in the construction, the enjoyment of making them, pride in taking a box home with the responsibility of properly placing it, monitoring it and adding new bedding each spring and most importantly fostered environmental stewardship and hands-on learning in a fun and engaging way.

The St. Lawrence Waterfowlers also supported the effort.

Also, each year, in the spring, Outdoor News holds the annual Wood Duck Box Challenge, offering prizes to young people who build wood duck boxes. This program is for young people under the age of 18.

To learn more and to make plans to take part next year, visit here.

Also, Outdoor News encourages young people who enjoy the outdoors to become members of the Junior Pro Team. Information can also be found on the Outdoor News website.