Photos by Kim and Cindy Risen / www.naturescapenews.com
Helping hands: Bluebirds have successfully increased their numbers in the Midwest thanks to many individuals and groups who take the time to put up and monitor nesting boxes along designated “bluebird trails”.

By Lance Krogg

Bringing back the bluebirds to MN began in the 1960’s with a dedicated couple – Dick and Vi Peterson of Brooklyn Center. They pioneered the use of nest boxes and spent years refining their box to suit the bluebirds. The Peterson nest box is one aspect of their legacy and the thing they are best known for. But their legacy also includes the founding of the MN Bluebird Recovery Program (also known as BBRP) and teaching us that bluebird nest boxes must be checked at least once a week.

The Bluebird Recovery Program began back in 1978 when young Chris Valentus, having met Dick and Vi Peterson, saw bluebirds for the first time, and decided to establish a bluebird trail as his Eagle Scout Project. He approached the Audubon Chapter of Minneapolis to request the funds he needed.

Catch the rest of the story in the March Issue of NatureScape News!        Next Highlight