DEEP OFFERS MATERIALS FOR BLUEBIRD BOXES

The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is offering bundled, uncut lumber for building bluebird nest boxes at no charge to organized groups, such as schools, scout troops, conservation commissions and garden clubs, on a first-come, first-served basis.

Interested groups can reserve one or two bundles by sending an email to DEEP Wildlife Division Biologist Brian Hess at Brian.Hess@ct.gov.

The group name, group leader’s name, a mailing address, number of bundles requested (maximum of two per group), and preferred pickup location (Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area, Franklin Swamp Wildlife Management Area or Sherwood Island State Park) should be included.

Organized groups that reserve bundled lumber should note:

The lumber, which is harvested from state forests, comes as eight-foot, bundled rough-cut planks, and all groups will be responsible for cutting the wood to the proper dimensions. Each bundle yields approximately 15 to 20 nest boxes when cut up. Hardware for construction of the boxes is not provided. Instructions for assembly and tips for nest box placement and maintenance are included.

Recipients are responsible for picking up and loading their wood at either Sessions Woods, Franklin Swamp or Sherwood Island State Park.

Participating groups are expected to monitor their bluebird nest boxes throughout the entire nesting season (March-July) and then report box usage to DEEP’s Wildlife Division.

DEEP’s Connecticut Bluebird Project has been distributing rough-cut lumber to groups to construct, install and maintain bluebird nest boxes since the project’s inception in 1980.

This annual program has been highly successful, generating tens of thousands of bluebird boxes and helping restore bluebird populations statewide.