I am proposing to build and install 19 birdhouses in non-profit spaces around State College. The construction of the birdhouses would happen in the Rivet's community woodworking space. I would lead the efforts, helped by Rivet members who have expressed interest in helping. 

The birdhouses would be installed in non-profit spaces throughout State College. I have already received approval for installation from the following non-profits, at which I currently volunteer: the Rivet/Discovery Space, PAWS, Centre Wildlife Care, and the Snetsinger Butterfly Garden. If this grant is approved, I will offer to install the birdhouses at Clearwater Conservancy, Rhoneymead, and Centre Helps. The Rivet, PAWS, Snetsinger Butterfly Garden, Clearwater Conservancy all have native plant gardens that provide natural food sources for birds. Rhoneymead and Centre Wildlife Care are both surrounded by extensive open grasslands or forests. Because Centre Helps is located in central downtown, it can promote birdhouses to thousands of people passing by. Choosing these sites, rather than parks or designated green spaces, is an important part of this project. By placing birdhouses in everyday spaces, they demonstrate that every site and every person can help birds. Even those houses on a smaller lot does its part, and adds up to making a lifesaving difference. 

The birdhouses will serve different birds, depending on the location. At least half of the houses are designed for bluebirds and the competing birds that may overtake their nest. The rest would serve robins or tufted titmice.

We would follow birdhouse plans recommended by the North American Bluebird Society, British Trust for Ornithology, or the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. The birdhouses themselves would be affixed to a pole, equipped with a racoon-proof baffle.

I am in contact with the PA chapters of the American Bluebird Society about monitoring the bluebird houses long-term.