The Joplin Globe, Joplin, MO

Joplin Metro

Related Photos

Discussion

May 29, 2009

Scouts build, set up bird-nesting boxes along Shoal Creek

By Wally Kennedy

wkennedy@joplinglobe.com

The bug spray was applied liberally to the arms and legs of about 15 Boy Scouts before they tackled their task in the woods along Shoal Creek.

The Scouts, members of Troop 70 at Carl Junction, erected about 35 nesting boxes on property along the creek that is owned by the Missouri American Water.

“I’ll tell you, they came ready to work,” said Christie Barnhart, spokeswoman for the company, of the Scouts’ effort late Thursday afternoon.

Christina Nugent was there with her son, John.

“We had ladders and we brought some cordless drills,” she said. “It didn’t take long.”

Nugent, who is the troop’s secretary, said the teenagers built the nesting boxes over two Saturdays.

“They have to put in so many hours of service projects. Building the boxes and then putting them up help with their rank,” she said. “We sprayed them down for ticks before they started. We had plenty of cans of Off.”

The boxes were built to provide nesting sites for bluebirds, chickadee, screech owls and wrens. The project is being undertaken to improve wildlife biodiversity on property adjacent to Shoal Creek, particularly for cavity-nesting bird species.

Barnhart said Missouri American Water has been working with the World Bird Sanctuary, based in St. Louis, to conduct species counts at its properties across the state as part of the company’s environmental stewardship program.

Species counts provide an inventory of the various bird species using the properties. From that, the Scouts determined the types of boxes to be installed.

“This partnership allows us to enhance local habitat and improve the overall environmental health of our property,” said Matthew Barnhart, Joplin operations manager. “Teaming up with the Scouts is a very effective way to utilize local resources to improve our community.”

Similar nesting box projects are under way at the company’s operations in St. Joseph and St. Louis.

Text Only
Joplin Metro
  • Ruby-Sapp-obit.jpg Longtime Democrat dies at 81

    Sapp, 81, died Thursday. Funeral services were Monday at the First Presbyterian Church of Joplin. A longtime Jasper County Democratic committeewoman and volunteer, Sapp for years was secretary to the county’s central committee.

    August 9, 2010 1 Photo

  • Motivational speaker offers free marriage course

    Presented by Mark Gungor, the course is being offered free to the community. The event is being held to aid in tornado relief. 

    January 12, 2012

  • District sends faculty, administrators on site visits

    With the design phase of several buildings in Joplin Schools ending in May, the district has sent 66 administration, faculty, parents and community members on site visits to 22 schools and two technology company headquarters across the country.

    January 11, 2012

  • 011012 Jop HS mural1_72.jpg Mural depicting Joplin High School dedicated

    A four-paneled mural depicting the recent history of Joplin High School was dedicated at the Memorial 9th- and 10th-grade Center Tuesday morning. The mural will be moved to the new high school when it is completed in 2014.

    January 10, 2012 4 Photos

  • Carl Junction chamber creating new committees

    The Carl Junction Chamber of Commerce is kicking off three new committees this week with meetings scheduled Tuesday and Wednesday.

    January 9, 2012

  • Body of missing Joplin man found

    The body of a missing Joplin man was discovered this afternoon inside his home in the Royal Heights neighborhood of Joplin.

    January 3, 2012

  • Wildcat Glades nature center receives $50,000 grant

    The Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center has received a $50,000 TogetherGreen Innovation Grant, which is being provided through an alliance between the National Audubon Society and Toyota.

    October 21, 2011

  • Joplin shooting victim’s name released

    The Joplin Police Department today released the name of a woman fatally shot in her home early Thursday and acknowledged that the shooting was reported as a suicide attempt.

    October 21, 2011

  • Barry Manilow to deliver donated instruments

    Singer-songwriter Barry Manilow will visit Joplin next week to donate more than $300,000 in musical instruments to replace those lost during the May 22 tornado.

    October 21, 2011

  • Extreme Makeover releases names of families

    "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" has released more details about the build in the 2400 block of Connor Avenue, including the names of the seven families. They are:

    October 19, 2011