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Parks board backs scout’s Eagle project to install bluebird and swallow boxes at solar fields
Summary
The Poolesville Parks Board unanimously recommended that an Eagle Scout candidate proceed with a project to build and install bluebird (and paired swallow) boxes around the town’s solar fields, with board members suggesting adding bat boxes and noting timing and maintenance considerations.
The Poolesville Parks Board voted Sept. 10 to recommend that a local scout proceed with an Eagle Scout project to construct bird boxes around two town solar fields.
"My name's Jade Teeman... I live in Space Hill," the scout said when presenting the proposal, describing plans to place bluebird boxes — paired in some places with swallow boxes — around two fenced solar fields (one roughly six acres, the other about two acres) and noting about 3,000 feet of surrounding fencing. "Bluebird boxes... have to be separated by a minimum of 100 yards per box," she said, estimating space for about 10 boxes around the fenced areas.
Board members praised the plan and suggested the applicant consider expanding to include bat boxes. "If you're only going to build 10 to 11 boxes, that's not a large project. I think adding the bat boxes would help," Preston King told the scout, citing past discussions and habitat benefits. Board members also discussed construction details such as dimensions and access for seasonal cleaning, and timing to avoid the breeding season so boxes do not attract wasps or hornets when unoccupied.
After the presentation, a board member moved to recommend that the project go forward; the motion was seconded and approved unanimously. The board asked the scout to keep staff updated but said a return visit was not required unless significant changes were proposed.
The board emphasized maintenance access and predator deterrents such as baffles where appropriate. Members also noted prior bluebird boxes used on other town sites had rotted and needed replacement, and they viewed the project as a way to replenish local nesting habitat and help control insects.
The recommendation does not obligate the town to fund materials; the board explained the motion was to allow the scout to proceed with planning and fundraising and to coordinate site access with staff. The scout said troop review was pending and she had about a year to carry out the project.
