Description

To raise awareness for environmental issues and connect communities through shared conservation goals, we propose to establish an “Adopt a Nest Box” community science program in the City of Meadville and Crawford County. Local families and businesses can sign up for the program, and we will provide and install a free bird box on their property. Birds are an entryway for people to engage with nature, and we want to encourage those who seek adventure through books at the library to consider the excitement of bird watching.We will conduct pre- and post-participation surveys about how participation in the program affects participants’ connection to nature and sense of community belonging. The research question focuses on how local access to birds can increase the public’s connection to nature and the Meadville community.

Outcome

Distribute and install at least 50 nest boxes to local families and businesses, create education materials about local backyard birds that can be disseminated to community members, and host 4 bird outreach events at the library that educate different ages and community groups.

Project Details

IMPACT TEAM

Environment and Sustainability

TYPE

Community Based Research (CBR)

STATUS

Open

FACULTY/STAFF SUPERVISOR

Dr. Jennifer Houtz

STUDENT(S)

TBD

COMMUNITY PARTNER(S)

Meadville Public Library