On Sunday, Jan 28th, members of the Raptor Patrol of Troop 20 Mt Pleasant got together to help some feathered friends. As a conservation project, they installed 4 wood duck boxes on Cooper Lake in Mt Pleasant. The boxes, provided by the SC DNR, give much needed nesting habitat for the native wood ducks that frequent the area. The Scouts braved strong winds and cold water while using Jon boats, chest waders and ladders to get these large posts, metal shields and wood boxes into areas safe from predators. They also participated in discussions on why the wood duck natural habitat has been lost and how they have evolved to use wood boxes as nesting shelter. They learned that rough hewn wood is essential, as it helps the ducklings’ ability to climb out once they are ready to leave the boxes. The Scouts are anxious to see the first nesting ducks take advantage of their new homes!
-Christian Senden
Life Scout
