New wood duck nest boxes are being installed in our campus nature area to support local wildlife and create hands-on learning opportunities for students. This project is a collaboration among several campus and community partners.

Project Partners

What we’re studying

With guidance from our partners, we’ll be monitoring the boxes to better understand how wood ducks (and other wildlife) use them over time. Depending on the season and what we observe, monitoring may include:

• Whether boxes are used (occupancy) and when use begins

• Signs of nesting activity (without disturbing wildlife)

• Environmental conditions around each box (shade, nearby water, vegetation)

• Predator presence and deterrence effectiveness

• Maintenance needs (clean-out timing, repairs, safety checks)

Our goal is to support wood ducks responsibly while building student skills in field methods, observation, and ecological monitoring.

Why is there an orange bucket under the box?

The bright orange bucket is a predator deterrent. It helps reduce the chance that predators (like raccoons or other climbers) can access the nest box. It can also make the box easier to spot during monitoring and maintenance checks.

Please enjoy viewing wildlife from a distance. For the safety of the ducks and yourself, do not touch or open the boxes.