Help save chimney swifts

Conservation Corps Minnesota needs materials to support chimney swift populations in Saint Paul. The small native birds, often mistaken for bats, are swift, agile and look like “flying cigars.” While they traditionally nest in hollow trees, urban birds have been nesting in masonry chimneys. But as old chimneys are removed or capped, chimney swifts’ habitat is depleting. A grant from Audubon Minnesota is funding education and materials for Youth Outdoors participants to build a chimney swift nesting tower. We would like to build at least two additional towers, which cost $500 in wood, paint, deck screws, concrete and other materials. If you would like to donate money or materials to the chimney swift project, contact John.Stelzner@conservationcorps.org