Saving New Jersey Falcons: Two Girl Scouts from East Windsor Make a Difference with Nesting Boxes

Lois P. and Bella L. proudly Display The Nesting Boxes That They Constructed.

Girl Scouts Bella L. and Lois P., both members of East Windsor Troop 70913 for seven years, took on an important environmental challenge to earn their Bronze Award.  They decided to help the American Kestrel, North America's smallest and most vivid falcon. Recent data from the New Jersey Conservation Foundation indicates an alarming 80% decrease in the bird population in our state over recent decades. The decline is potentially due to the loss of high-quality habitats, reduced nesting locales, and the effects of agricultural pesticides. 

A challenge like this might seem too big for most, but not for Bella and Lois! They did their homework and found out that Kestrels need special homes called nesting boxes to thrive. If these boxes are put in just the right spots and made the right size, it can really help these birds out. Bella and Lois researched how to make the perfect nesting box for these awesome falcons. Cool, right?

“We worked together to plan out the project, get our supplies, and make the nesting boxes,” shared Bella.  “These nesting boxes will hopefully last several years and help the Kestrel population grow.”  The NJ Conservation Foundation has already reported that the nesting boxes have had a positive impact on the Kestrel population. 

When asked why they wanted to work on this project, Lois offered, “I wanted to earn my Bronze Award because it would be good to do something to help our community, but also it is nice to have a special award.”  Bella added, “I am really proud of our work.” 

Lois P. lives in Roosevelt, New Jersey, and is home-schooled.  Bella L lives in Hightstown, New Jersey, and currently attends Melvin H. Kreps Middle School.  

Both Girl Scouts would like to send a special thank you to Rex Lumber Company in Englishtown, who donated the lumber for this important project.  Community partners make the community stronger!