Charlie Fineran’s Photo of the Week captures the “development” of special housing near Panther Valley’s Old Farm Village for our feathered friends: a Wood Duck House and Blue Bird Houses.

This week’s photo depicts the location where the “A Place To Call Home” project is becoming a reality. Here, a wood duck house is about to be installed on the shoreline of Panther Valley’s Old Farm Village’s water basin. This project also includes two blue bird houses along a nice gravel walkway that loops around the basin.  This walkway gives visitors clear views of the basin area on one side and treats them to some beautiful wetland areas along the western part of the walkway. The site is located in Allamuchy Township and is sits just outside the back gate of Panther Valley.

Initial plans for this project were begun back in April by SueEllen Mikowski. She contacted John Parke, from the NJ Audubon Society, and myself, chairman of the Allamuchy Township Environmental Commission, asking whether it was possible to put in some bird houses in this basin area. Would it make a difference? There was an initial site visit and both John and I agreed that this was a nice project!  It would definitely improve this site’s wildlife habitat, along with enhancing visitors’ opportunities for some wonderful wildlife experiences!

There were some ‘official steps’ that needed to be addressed and looked into before beginning but that is part and parcel to all projects. John Parke offered his expertise and guidance and offered to install and donate a wood duck house.  I reached out to the Environmental Commission, mayor, and town council, who supported the idea and offered any assistance necessary, such as checking for rights of way that might impede development. Panther Valley’s General Manager Matt Begley also offered to assist.

Long story short, this last Thursday, Oct. 25, at 8 a.m., the installation began, followed by a nice presentation by SueEllen Mikowski talking about the project.  We were all treated to a short presentation about birds and wildlife of our area by John Parke.  We learned that New Jersey has one of the most diverse bird populations in all of North America! Yes, I did say New Jersey!  Think of this, we are located at the southern end of the territories of all Arctic- and northern-breeding species, as well as on the northern end of the territories of all tropical birds. We also have coastal birds and several major flyways for migration!  John also pointed out the importance of utilizing native species of plants, which help maintain a healthy wildlife environment and are very beautiful.

Where in your own backyard can you spruce up to give wildlife “A Place to Call Home?”

Please check my Flickr site for some photos of the event:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/charliefineran/albums/72157699616349032