Student grant funds Eagle Scout bird‑box project; board hears final report

Alexa Briggs, a member of Troop 7192, told the New Albany Sustainability Advisory Board on Sept. 10 that a $1,000 student leaders sustainability grant helped fund her Eagle Scout project to build and install bird boxes at the E3 Learning Lab and nearby fields.

Briggs said the project took about 187 hours from planning in December through completion in May, and that 25 volunteers helped build 27 bird boxes and predator‑baffle covers. “We split up the project into three stages,” Briggs said. She described reclaimed tin cans from a local pizzeria used as part of predator baffles and said board‑funded materials and staff assistance were essential to completing and installing the boxes.

Staff and board members praised the project’s educational and ecological benefits. A staff member noted the grant administration process (materials purchases are handled by the city) and confirmed the project exceeded the $1,000 allotment by $5, which staff said was acceptable given the overall budget for student programs.

Board members asked where the extra boxes would be placed; Briggs said the extras are currently in storage and that staff was considering Taylor Farm or Rose Run Park. The board encouraged publicity and local school engagement so the boxes also serve as an educational resource.

The board’s comments highlighted the program’s intent to support visible, student‑led sustainability efforts; staff said future grant cycles may be opened on a rolling basis to better accommodate scouting and senior‑project timelines. The board thanked Briggs for the presentation and for helping to bring conservation experiences to students.

The board’s discussion about operational details and the small budget overage concluded with staff confirming follow‑up photos and placement plans would be shared with board members.