Young birdwatchers or nature lovers in Bragg Creek will have the opportunity to build and decorate their very own birdhouse this spring, as part of a new program offered by the Bragg Creek Community Association (BCCA).
Christine Pollard, BCCA’s program and events manager, said the two sessions – hosted May 15 and June 12 – are geared toward local youth ages seven to 10.
“We reached out to a community member who makes these birdhouse kits,” she said. “We purchased them from him. It’s going to be run by one of the local teachers from Banded Peak School, and she’s going to facilitate [it].”
According to Pollard, the sessions will tentatively take place outdoors at the Bragg Creek Community Centre from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Due to new public health restrictions announced May 4, she said the capacity is just four participants per session.
In addition to creating and decorating a structure that will attract Bragg Creek’s wide variety of springtime nesting birds, such as wrens, chickadees and titmice, Pollard said the classes will be an educational opportunity.
“It’s something [kids] can do safely outdoors, it’s learning to work with everyday tools and it supports our local wildlife,” she said.
While the program is a good pre-cursor to junior high shop class, Pollard highlighted the young participants will not be cutting the boards for the birdhouses themselves, as the boards come pre-cut.
“That’s why it’s for the younger kids,” she said. “It’s a kit where all the pieces are cut and everything is provided for them – the nails, glue, etc. There are full instructions, but it will be facilitated [by adults].
“That’s why it’s geared to younger ages – not so young that they need a parent’s help, but not so old that they may find it boring.”
The sessions cost $40 each. For more information or to register, visit braggcreekca.com/current-programs
Scott Strasser, AirdrieToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @scottstrasser19
