TWRA and Students Team to Support Wood Ducks

Region IV Species Program Biologist Sterling Daniels and a team of Region IV wildlife officers and volunteers recently installed several wood duck boxes along the Nolichucky River in Greene County. Following Hurricane Helene, many cavity trees suitable for wood duck nesting were either destroyed during the storm or removed during recovery efforts. TWRA believes these new boxes will help support wood ducks throughout the upcoming nesting season.

Greg Snyder, a Cumberland Gap High School Wildlife & Fisheries Science teacher, had his students construct approximately 40 wood duck boxes late last summer. After using the few remaining boxes from last year, Snyder joined Sterling in October to place five boxes along the creek at Otey Mills Refuge.

TWRA also provided around 10 boxes to private landowners along the Holston River, and wildlife officers will continue placing additional boxes in suitable areas across the region. Sterling says, “We’re grateful to Cumberland Gap High School for partnering with us to enhance wood duck habitat across Region IV. Greg’s program gives students hands-on experience that benefits both their education and our wildlife resources.”

--- TWRA ---