Every year, individuals of all ages leave Saskatoon to participate in the Mary Houston Bluebird Trail, a citizen science initiative. Established in 1969, the 80-kilometer trail stretches from south of Langham, Sask. to north of Hanley, Sask., featuring a series of 250 nest boxes every 400 meters. These nest boxes serve as crucial habitats for migrating birds, with volunteers monitoring their activities.
Greg Fenty, a biologist and retired environmental educator, leads this project for the Saskatoon Young Naturalists in partnership with the Saskatoon Nature Society. The Bluebird Trail focuses on monitoring bluebirds and tree swallows to track breeding success and survival rates, aiding researchers in understanding population dynamics.
Bluebird populations declined significantly until the 1950s due to habitat loss and pesticide usage. Conservation efforts subsequently increased, leading to improved monitoring and protection. Bluebirds, with an average lifespan of up to eight years, migrate over 3,000 kilometers south annually.
Volunteers, including families like Pi Srithammawut’s, participate in the project to learn about local wildlife and environmental conservation. Children engage in hands-on activities like bird banding and nest monitoring, fostering a deeper connection to nature. For Srithammawut, this experience offers valuable insights into the interconnectedness of all living beings.
Betty McBride, another volunteer, enjoys sharing this experience with her grandchildren, emphasizing the educational and enriching aspects of the project. The hands-on nature of the Bluebird Trail has inspired many, like Maycie McWillie, to pursue careers in biology and conservation.
Fenty emphasizes the importance of combining outdoor activities with scientific learning, promoting biodiversity awareness among participants. The project also includes workshops where kids build bird boxes to support nesting birds before the monitoring season begins in late May.
Through the Mary Houston Bluebird Trail, participants not only contribute to scientific research but also develop a profound appreciation for nature and wildlife. The project’s long-term impact is evident as returning bluebirds, marked with bands, revisit the same nesting sites year after year, showcasing the success of conservation efforts.