Birdhouses Built by Midlands Students Aim to Protect Screech Owls, Wood Ducks, and Eastern Bluebirds

In Columbia, South Carolina, students at Heyward Career and Technology Center in Richland School District One are working on a project that's more than just a school assignment. Led by construction teacher Frank Gilbert, the students are building birdhouses for screech owls, wood ducks, and eastern bluebirds. These birds are at risk of habitat loss and potential extinction, a fact that encourages the students to take this project seriously. "We live here, so we have to take care of this earth, " Mr. Gilbert reminds his students.The South Carolina Wildlife Federation reached out to the school for help. The goal is to build 60 birdhouses that will be used year after year. Students like Qweshion Myers are enjoying the hands-on work involved. "You're cutting stuff, making sure you get things done here, " he explained as he worked. Classmates Ronald Morant and Anthony Barajas share his enthusiasm. "Building boxes and nailing them together is the best part, " Anthony said. This project goes beyond construction skills. Students are learning valuable life skills, like communication and leadership, that will help them in any future job. Ray Pierce, the construction instructional assistant, stresses how important these skills are. "Grabbing onto this project can show them what they might really want to do in the future, " he said.