Story and photos by Christina Fox, Stonewall Jackson Lake
In honor of National Public Lands Day, volunteers of all ages participated in the environmental improvement projects with Rangers Christina Fox and Carly Heatherly, Aug. 16 at Stonewall Jackson Lake, West Virginia. The projects included the installation of owl habitat boxes, litter removal, grooming of our butterfly garden, and the removal of debris along the friendship trail. The goal of this day was to improve the environment and to raise awareness of the importance of conservation and continued habitat reclamation.
The owl habitat boxes, which were donated by a local Boy Scouts of America troop, will provide roosting and brooding habitat for screech owls, wood ducks, kestrels, and other indigenous wildlife. These types of projects aid in off-setting the impacts of the ever decreasing habitat, due to various forms of human development.
Stonewall Jackson Lake supports a large biodiversity of plants and animals, which benefit from the efforts of dedicated wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts.
We wish to recognize the men, women, and children who donated their time and resources to make this day possible.