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    Cavity-Nesting Trails Program

    A cavity-nesting trail is an area within a state park, which may or may not be along a trail, where man-made nesting boxes are placed for use by birds.

    About the Cavity-Nesting Trails Program

    As part of a national effort to provide nesting habitat for the then declining eastern bluebird population in the late 1980s, DCNR’s Bureau of State Parks developed a nest box monitoring program to coordinate the efforts and resources of interested parks and individuals.

    The success of this endeavor led DCNR’s Bureau of State Parks to expand the program to include the monitoring of additional cavity-nesting birds, such as:

    • Chickadees
    • Wrens
    • Tree swallows
    • Purple martins
    • Wood ducks
    • Barn and eastern screech owls
    • Kestrels

    Program benefits include:

    • Increase in cavity-nesting bird populations
    • A wealth of accurate and reliable data for scientists to study
    • The opportunity for thousands of park visitors to see and learn about the needs of cavity-nesting birds

    Program Participation and Implementation

    State parks’ involvement in the program varies. You may be able to start a new program in a state park or join one already underway.

    To start a new program, you will need to meet with park personnel to develop an implementation plan.

    This plan may include:

    • Habitat appraisal and box location
    • Review and coordination of responsibilities and reporting forms
    • Training for individuals involved
    • Development of a timeline for implementation
    • Identification of other individuals or groups who may help
    • Dissemination of background information on cavity nesting species

    Additional Information

    Become involved in conservation by volunteering! See DCNR’s calendar of events to find volunteer opportunities near you.

    Learn how to become an involved citizen scientist through DCNR’s Cavity-Nesting Trails Program (PDF).

    Questions?

    You can contact the Cavity-Nesting Trails Program coordinator, Carly Broder, for more information.