Association of Vermont Conservation Commissions

With an eye towards enhancing habitat and reversing the declining population of the kestrel in the Lake Champlain Islands, the project focused on community engagement and citizen science in partnership with the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS). Building on earlier work (two nest boxes were installed on conserved farmland in March 2024), the recently formed South Hero Conservation Commission (SHCC) held events to inform and inspire residents and encourage their participation in wildlife conservation efforts.

On August 4th, 2024, the Worthen Library hosted a presentation on the American kestrel from research naturalist from the VINS. Approximately 40 people came out to learn about the species, meet a rehabilitated kestrel, and hear more about the work VINS and other partners are doing to protect these birds and their habitat. Participants were also informed about upcoming opportunities to participate in nest box construction and monitoring.

On March 8th, 2025, approximately 25 residents from South Hero, Grand Isle, Alburgh, and North Hero gathered at the Folsom Community School in South Hero for a nest box construction event. 26 nest boxes were built for installation and monitoring in favorable locations throughout the islands. It was a fantastic community gathering with many generations, families and students participating in the day. Following the event, the boxes were delivered or picked

up for installation and included fresh shavings for priming the nesting.

As of May 2025, two nest boxes already appear to have residents, with further box construction in the works. Additionally, citizen science monitors will periodically visit the nesting boxes and report their findings back to VINS.

Key project partners include the South Hero Worthen Library, Town of South Hero, South Hero Land Trust, and Vermont Institute of Natural Science. Special thanks is owed to Bridget Kerr, former SHCC chair, and Jim Armbruster, lead field biologist at VINS, who championed the project, as well as SHCC Treasurer Robert Fireovid, who spearheaded

the nest box construction. Without that leadership, and support from other members, these events would not have had the success they garnered.

In May 2024, the SHCC was awarded Tiny Grant funding to support both the nest box construction and live kestrel events. The Town of South Hero provided additional funding to support the public outreach component of the project. The project is entirely based in South Hero and within the larger geography of the Lake Champlain Islands. Nest boxes are located throughout the islands for continued citizen science monitoring.