At Northwest Trek, we’re committed to providing habitats for wildlife, and our wood duck nest box project is a prime example of how conservation efforts can make a meaningful impact. In February, staff from various departments cleaned, repaired and installed new nest boxes throughout our Free-Roaming Area wetlands. These boxes are vital to the health of wood duck populations, which were once in steep decline.

Wood ducks are cavity nesters, relying on hollow trees and snags—or human-made nest boxes like ours—to raise their young. In the late 19th century, hunting and habitat loss threatened wood ducks with extinction. But thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, their populations have remarkably recovered. Nest boxes have played an essential role in this success, offering safe spaces for these stunning birds to build their nests.

These boxes are not only used by wood ducks but also attract other cavity-nesting species like hooded mergansers, woodpeckers, and even small mammals and invertebrates. Natural tree cavities are limited, so these artificial homes are an essential substitute for lost nesting habitat.

Currently, about 30 wood duck nest boxes are spread across the Free-Roaming Area wetlands. Every year, our Trek team cleans and maintains these boxes, replacing old nesting material with fresh pine shavings before the ducks return to breed. We’re adding even more homes this spring, thanks to a volunteer Eagle Scout and his peer group, who have built ten new nest boxes. Three have already been installed, and we’re excited to continue supporting wood ducks and other species with these critical nesting sites.

When you visit Northwest Trek this spring and summer, tour the Free-Roaming Area to look for wood ducks and their ducklings as they glide through our wetlands. With continued efforts like this, we hope to provide these beautiful creatures with a safe and thriving environment for future generations.