Teens create bird boxes for Allens Pond

Feb 24, 2021

While many teens might have spent their February vacation getting some rest from academics, a handful of students from around the South Coast spent their time creating homes for the birds at Allens Pond. 

“It was a good mix,” Allens Pond Naturalist Julia Signorella said. “They were a really motivated group of kids.”

According to the naturalist, as human populations continue to increase development, fewer homes for local birds like bluebirds and tree swallows become available.

“The more of those boxes we can put up, the more homes we can provide for those birds,” Signorella said.

Along with creating bird boxes, the high schoolers spent a day helping clear some of the trails along the Mass Audubon property. 

Volunteers also hiked around the property a bit while Signorella explained some of the effects climate change has had on the area.

Just a few years ago, salt marsh plants like smooth cordgrass would be all over the waterline along the low marsh. 

Now, most of that native habitat is bare and salt marsh flora is being spotted closer and closer to the high marsh of Ocean View Farm and nearby Allens Pond.

“Spreading information is one of the most important parts about helping fight for the environment,” Signorella said, adding that many of the volunteers “liked learning all these little facts.”