Many organizations sell nesting boxes to generate revenue. NCWF has added a different twist to this idea with the fledgling Habitat Nesting Box Program, whereby boxes for bluebirds, wood ducks, bats, purple martins, wrens, prothonatary warblers, Great-crested flycatchers, and owls are given to places working to create wildlife habitats. Already in it's brief existence the program has provided nesting boxes to churches, schools, workplaces and communities with which NCWF has partnered. "We want to make sure that we do everything we can to help interested folks create healthy habitats for wildlife on their property." Says, Federation Community Outreach Coordinator, Chris North. Sometimes erecting a box or two is the momentum boost a school needs to get going in the right direction. Volunteers build the boxes from designs and materials (when available) NCWF provides; however, with such a popular program there is quite a backlog. So if you would like to contribute (supplies or money) to this worthwhile project please contact Tim Gestwicki at (704) 377-4696. Who knows, next year's wood ducks or bluebirds might be the ones you gave a home to!

Special THANKS to our expert nest box builders: Trai Hill and Charlie Burdick and to material sponsors- Queen City Lumber & Supply Co. and Hollingsworth Roofing Inc.

Male bluebird attending the nesting box
~Photo courtesy of NCWF member Christopher Yarbrough

Southern flying squirrels are cavity-nesting species, too.
~ Photo courtesy of NCWF member Christopher Yarbrough