CBC Saskatchewan’s Creator Network offers a platform for young digital storytellers from diverse backgrounds to create original video content showcased on CBC, sharing unique perspectives. The Mary Houston Bluebird Trail, established in 1969, spans approximately 80 kilometers from south of Langham, Sask., to north of Hanley, Sask. Nest boxes every 400 meters along the trail provide crucial habitat for migrating birds, monitored by volunteers.
Led by biologist Greg Fenty, the Saskatoon Young Naturalists oversee the project, tracking the productivity and survivorship of bluebirds and tree swallows. This data aids in understanding population changes over time. Bluebird populations, once declining due to habitat loss and pesticides, have rebounded through conservation efforts. Bluebirds can live up to eight years and migrate over 3,000 kilometers each year.
Volunteers, guided by Fenty’s expertise and scientific permit, learn to band birds and identify different species. Pi Srithammawut and his son, Pacer, joined the project to explore their new environment, sparking an interest in nature. For children, the project offers a hands-on learning experience about bird life cycles.
Many volunteers, like Maycie McWillie, a former child participant turned biologist, credit the Bluebird Project for igniting their passion for nature. The project also engages families, providing a unique and enriching outdoor experience for all generations. The Saskatoon Young Naturalists host workshops for kids to build bird boxes before the nesting season, fostering a deeper connection to nature.
Monitoring and banding activities begin in late spring, with volunteers continuing the conservation work. Fenty emphasizes the importance of hands-on outdoor activities in learning about biodiversity and promoting environmental stewardship. The Bluebird Trail not only supports bird populations but also nurtures a sense of wonder and curiosity for the natural world.