In addition to preserving the historic aspects of the property, DFHS is committed to conserving and enhancing the environmental resources at the site. Wood duck nesting boxes have been constructed along the Maiden Creek, which runs along the property, to provide additional nesting habitat for wood ducks. Each year in late winter, the old nesting material needs to be cleaned out to prepare for the upcoming nesting season. We have turned this activity into an educational event and nature walk open to the public.
We frequently find owls and other visitors borrowing the boxes. Although we didn’t see any owls on the 2023 walk, Screech owls often use the empty duck boxes for shelter during the winter months. If an owl is encountered during this event, it is gently removed and then returned to the box as soon as it has been cleaned.
