The University of Florida has no shortage of wildlife, from the alligators lounging around campus lakes to the birds chirping in the treetops. But thanks to two CFACT Collegians, some of those feathered residents may soon have a few new housing options.
On a beautiful, sunny Florida afternoon, CFACT Collegians Lena Zizza and Luke Kent set up shop along the scenic shores of Lake Alice, bringing students together for a “Bird-BnB Painting Workshop” centered on creativity, conservation, and protecting local wildlife.
Students painting birdhouses have discussions about environmental stewardship led by CFACT Collegian Luke Kent.
A dozen students got to work designing their own miniature homes for Gainesville’s birds. Unlike most housing projects, these came without rent, property taxes, or an HOA.
The concept was simple: Airbnb, but for birds. Instead of booking a weekend getaway, Gainesville’s feathered residents would be getting some new accommodations. But the workshop wasn’t just about arts and crafts.
Lena and Luke introduced students to one animal with a particularly encouraging conservation success story: the Eastern Bluebird. Once threatened by declining nesting habitat and competition for nesting sites, bluebird populations have benefited from decades of dedicated conservation efforts, including the installation and monitoring of nesting boxes by volunteers.
Informational fliers were provided for students to read more on how their birdhouses could benefit local wildlife.
As students painted and decorated birdhouses, Lena and Luke led a conversation about how environmental stewardship doesn’t have to be complicated. Not every conservation project needs sweeping government mandates or expensive state programs. Conservation efforts that truly make a difference for local wildlife populations can be personal, and even a little colorful.
Students were able to take home their birdhouses and were encouraged to hang them in their backyards, potentially providing a suitable nesting place for birds in their own communities.
Luke explains how local efforts can protect wildlife without relying on government intervention.
Of course, a University of Florida event would not be complete without a little gator sightseeing. Students took a break from painting to check out the baby alligators and turtles hanging around Lake Alice.
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The post Bird-BnB Takes Flight at the University of Florida was first published by the Committee For A Constructive Tomorrow (CFACT), and is republished here with permission. Please support their efforts.