In a remarkable display of hands-on learning and environmental stewardship, members of the Benjamin Logan Environmental Science Club recently took on a unique project that will leave a lasting impact on both their school and the local ecosystem. Armed with determination and teamwork, these young students, many of whom are in the 4th and 5th grade, traded in their textbooks for trowels as they embarked on the construction of the school’s first chimney swift tower.

The task at hand was no small feat – the students mixed over 1,800 pounds of cement to form the base of the tower, laying the foundation for a structure that will soon become a vital habitat for chimney swifts. These medium-sized grey birds, known for their insatiable appetite for insects, face challenges due to habitat loss and declining numbers. Unable to perch, chimney swifts rely on vertical surfaces like hollow trees or man-made structures such as chimneys for nesting and roosting.

With the completion of the chimney swift tower, the Benjamin Logan campus will not only serve as a hub for education but also as a sanctuary for these important avian residents. Alongside the existing purple martin house, which has already successfully attracted birds since its installation, the chimney swift tower holds promise for creating a thriving colony that will help mitigate insect pests like mosquitoes, benefiting both the school and the surrounding community.

Through this project, the Benjamin Logan Environmental Science Club exemplifies the power of youth-driven initiatives in fostering environmental conservation and biodiversity. Their dedication to creating a sustainable future serves as an inspiration to us all, reminding us that every small act has the potential to make a significant difference in preserving our natural world. As the chimney swift tower nears completion, we eagerly anticipate the positive impact it will have on both the ecosystem and the hearts of those involved in its creation.