Agency Works with School to Build Wildlife Habitat Structures for Nongame Species

TWRA Region II Biodiversity Survey Manager Michaela Bass Zaidan, started a project with construction classes at Oakland High School (OHS) in Murfreesboro. Derry Wells teaches the classes through Oakland’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program.

Oakland’s CTE program is designed to provide students with hands-on, real-world experience that prepares them for both post-secondary education and direct entry into skilled trades and career fields. Through a TWRA Watchable Wildlife grant, the Agency provided building materials and supplies for students to construct more than 50 wildlife habitat structures for nongame species, including bluebird houses, bat houses, and barn owl nesting boxes. These structures provide important nesting and roosting habitat where wildlife can shelter and raise young during vulnerable life stages, particularly in areas where natural habitat features may be limited.

 This partnership provided students with valuable hands-on construction experience while also directly contributing to wildlife conservation and public engagement efforts across Tennessee.

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