Covia Joins WHC’s Innovative Birdhouse Challenge To Build a Better Future for Wildlife

Rhea-AI Summary

Covia's Roff Plant has joined the Wildlife Habitat Council's (WHC) Artificial Nesting Structure Challenge by building a custom birdhouse for purple martins. The initiative aims to address the decline of cavity nesting birds due to habitat loss. The custom-built structure features specific dimensions suitable for purple martins, including 2 1/4-inch diameter entrance holes and 6x6x6-inch nesting cavities. The birdhouse, strategically placed near the plant's office entrance, includes custom shingles, stonework from plant materials, and a bird bath. The project demonstrates Covia's commitment to biodiversity, which includes preserving forests, reclaiming land with native species, and protecting endangered species habitats.

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / November 19, 2024 / Covia is committed to protecting biodiversity by preserving intact forests, reclaiming land with over 50% native species, managing avian and migratory bird habitats, protecting endangered species and their habitats, and combating invasive species while restoring pollinator habitats where feasible. An important part of our efforts is working with organizations such as the Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC). Recently, Covia's Roff Plant accepted the Wildlife Habitat Council's challenge to build birdhouses as part of their Artificial Nesting Structure Challenge. This initiative was created in response to the decline of cavity nesting birds over the years due to habitat loss. By providing these artificial nesting structures, they aim to support bird populations and gain insight into the local bird community.

The WHC challenge allowed the plant to showcase its environmental commitment and creativity. It's a fantastic place to attract wildlife, as Travis Smith, Operations Manager for the Roff, Oklahoma Plant, noted that he often sees owls, deer and badgers, among other species, on the property. When Travis presented the project to the Roff team, they were all on board. One team member, who happens to be a talented woodworker, started building a custom birdhouse. Not just any birdhouse; without realizing it, he had begun building a structure for the purple martin, the largest swallow in North America.

The ideal purple martin birdhouse should be light-colored, lightweight, have entrance holes 2 1/4 inches in diameter and nesting cavities that are 6" x 6" x 6". Fortunately, this birdhouse fits the bill perfectly. It features custom shingles and stonework made from materials sourced at the plant. Plus, martins love to perch where they can see open spaces for catching insects, especially near water. To top it off, the birdhouse includes a bird bath held in place by an antler found on the property. It's strategically placed near the plant's office entrance, as the best location is within 100 feet of human activity and 40 feet from buildings or trees.

The house is perched over 8 feet off the ground and features a predator guard to keep pesky critters away. This stunning custom home is perfect for purple martins, but the adult birds don't show up for nesting in Oklahoma until mid-February through May. The team is looking forward to monitoring the box for signs of new inhabitants!

For more information on Covia's commitment to biodiversity, please see our ESG report.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Covia on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:
Spokesperson: Covia
Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/covia
Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Covia

View the original press release on accesswire.com

FAQ

What is Covia's (CVIA) recent wildlife conservation initiative?

Covia's Roff Plant participated in the Wildlife Habitat Council's Artificial Nesting Structure Challenge by building a custom birdhouse designed specifically for purple martins, the largest swallow in North America.

What are the specifications of the purple martin birdhouse built by Covia (CVIA)?

The birdhouse features 2 1/4-inch diameter entrance holes, 6x6x6-inch nesting cavities, custom shingles, stonework from plant materials, and is placed over 8 feet off the ground with a predator guard.

When do purple martins nest at Covia's (CVIA) Roff Plant location?

Adult purple martins arrive for nesting at the Oklahoma location from mid-February through May.