CGA and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rebuild homes for endangered birds

The U.S. Coast Guard Academy is scheduled to work in conjunction with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to build approximately 200 nesting boxes Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn.

The boxes will replace those damaged or lost during Hurricane Irene to provide refuge to the federally endangered Roseate Terns that live on the Falkner Island Unit of the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge off the coast of Guilford, Conn. Falkner Island is recognized as an important bird area by Audubon Connecticut due to the critical nesting habitat it provides for Common and Roseate Terns. "We're thrilled to be participating in this exciting partnership between the refuge, the academy and students to help restore Connecticut's only nesting site for Roseate Terns," said Tom Baptist, Audubon Connecticut Executive Director.

Cadets and faculty from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, students and teachers from Connecticut College's Environmental Club and New London Magnet High School, U.S. Fish and Wildlife staff and representatives of Connecticut Audubon are all taking part in the days activities.

Supplies to build the new birdhouses are provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

For any media interested in attending, please contact the U.S. Coast Guard Academy Public Affairs office at (860) 444-8270.

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