By Tia Mason Howard
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE
Becoming one of the first communities in the nation to be certified as a national wildlife refuge, Riderwood does not rest on its laurels! Through hard work and determination, Riderwood’s most eco-conscious members are joining forces with the Boy Scouts to save Maryland’s shrinking eastern bluebird population.
Call From the Wild
With over 120 acres of natural preserve, Riderwood’s campus is home to over 80 species of birds and 50 varieties of trees. In addition to providing a beautiful landscape for the community, Riderwood provides numerous opportunities for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts to help better the environment.
When faced with the growing decline of the eastern bluebird (Sialia sialis) population, Riderwood’s Wildlife Habitat Steering Committee and Sightings Club knew it was time to help.
According to long-time bird watcher and Sightings Club member Becky Hedin, “bluebird habitats have been threatened because there are not as many large, open fields for them to nest.”
Creative Partnership
Riderwood’s distinction as a wildlife habitat piqued the interest of the surrounding community. Working toward the distinction of Eagle Scout, sixteen year old Boy Scout and Springbrook High School student Eric Cargal approached Riderwood with the idea of building bluebird nest boxes to help the fledgling bird population.
By early March, Eric was leading a troop of boy scouts and friends, in the building and installation of 20 bluebird nest boxes on the Riderwood campus.
“I liked the idea of building birdhouses,” says Eric. “We can’t use any power tools for any scout project, so this enables me to show leadership and line up people to cut wood and install the houses.”
Bringing Back the Bluebirds