PASCAGOULA, Mississippi - One hundred sturdy wood duck boxes were built by members of the Singing River Chapter of Ducks Unlimited and area volunteers, Saturday, April 25, 2009. The project was held in conjunction with the Pascagoula River Nature Festival in Moss Point, Mississippi.

Ten local Ducks Unlimited chapter members and their families assisted over 25 children ranging in ages from five to 15. One Gautier family was represented by three generations.

"Before Hurricane Katrina, wood ducks were very prolific in our area. Unfortunately, the storm destroyed the hollowed out "cavity" trees that provided them shelter and nesting areas. This loss devastated the wood duck population. But now, thanks to our volunteers, these wonderful birds have 100 new homes," Committee Chairman for Singing River Chapter of Ducks Unlimited John Kinsey II said.

The boxes were built to exact specifications required for wood ducks that ensure the ducks' safety from predators, provide an ample supply of nesting materials and allow ducklings easy access to the outside world. They were donated to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks which will place them on Wildlife Management Areas in Jackson County.

"Each box will house a breeding pair who will raise six to eight chicks twice a year. Up to 800 new ducklings will hatch thanks to these efforts. Best of all, females will return to the same box year after year to raise another brood," Kinsey said.

This recent project underscores the organization's emphasis on wetlands and waterfowl habitat conservation. "This wood duck box project fits perfectly with our conservation mission. The wood duck population has been trying to rebound; but if we don't take care of them they'll disappear...another natural resource lost to our area." Kinsey said.

The Singing River chapter is hoping that area residents contact them to plan additional wood duck box events. "The need is there and it's a fun family or scout activity," Kinsey said.

The following businesses and individuals provided financial and material support for the project: Trustmark Bank, Burnham Drugs, Chap Anderson, Billy Ray Fann, Guy Ray, Lester Smith, Mr. Skinner and Dr. Ronal Roberson.

GULFPORT TO HOST STATE CONVENTION IN JULY

The Mississippi State Ducks Unlimited Convention will be held at the Gulfport Courtyard Marriott, July 24 & 25. Information about this event is available from Hale Dees at hale@ad-in.us.

With more than a million supporters, Ducks Unlimited is the world's largest and most effective wetland and waterfowl conservation organization with more than 12 million acres conserved. The United States alone has lost more than half of its original wetlands - nature's most productive ecosystem - and continues to lose more than 80,000 wetland acres each year. For more information about Ducks Unlimited, log on to www.ducks.org. To contact the Singing River chapter of Ducks Unlimited, call John Kinsey at (228) 990-2143.