Minnesota Waterfowl Association

Twelfth Annual Wood Duck Box Build, a Tradition of Cooperation

The New Prague Knights of Columbus Hall was the site of the annual Scott / LeSueur Counties Minnesota Waterfowl Association Wood Duck Box build.  This February 27^th event gave 192 kids up to 16 years old an opportunity to build and take home their own wood duck house and get a hot dog in the deal as well.

This is the twelfth time the chapter has hosted this event and it is truly a labor of coordination and cooperation.  The weekend prior to the build includes the “Cut Day” where 400 kits are produced to support the build day and other opportunities where kits are used to provide wood duck nesting habitat.  For this year’s cut day, there were 18 workers that as a group represented 4 statewide conservation organizations; Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, National Wild Turkey Federation as well as Minnesota Waterfowl Association.  There were also at least six local Sportsman’s Clubs represented.  On build day there were 35 volunteers who took their Sunday to help build, coordinate, serve food and move material.  Five of those key volunteers were high school students who were getting community service credit for the National Honor Society.  Their hard work and energy made setting up, keeping the build stations stocked and clean up seem effortless.  Between cut and build days alone, there were over 264 volunteer hours expended to make this event a success. 

The support for an event like this goes beyond the volunteer contribution, it also relies on financial resources as well.  The estimated cost to the chapter to host this event each year is around $6500 for materials, advertising and other supporting costs.  Fifty six sponsors stepped up to the plate this year.  Chapter President Myron Tietz commented, “Thank you to the sponsors.  Without them, something like this would never be possible.”

The Scott / Le Sueur County chapter has been in existence for 34 years making it the longest running MWA chapter.  It has also been selected as the 2011 Chapter of the Year.  One of their most notable accomplishments is this twelve year history of producing wood duck box kits, over 5000 have been produced to date and providing the opportunity to involve and educate the youngest members of our communities through the Build Day.  The impact of the day goes beyond the important goal of providing safe nesting habitat for wood ducks.  It provides a low cost family activity giving kids a hands-on experience in the environment and conservation.  It extends beyond the day as they get the chance to see the box in use and they learn about how they can have hand in conservation. 

The Scott / Le Sueur County MWA chapter and supporting community is committed to making a difference and they are doing it, one wood duck box, one child and one smile at a time.