September 2007 at The Blue Jay's Nest
A new bird has been visiting our nest.


 

History of The Blue Jay's Nest

On May 4, 2001 West Dover had a ribbon cutting ceremony to open the start of the construction for The Blue Jay's Nest, a schoolyard habitat of New Jersey native plants.  West Dover Elementary School was awarded a $500 grant, Outdoor Classroom Development Grant, by the Ocean County Soil and Conservation District and a $2000 grant from the Barnegat Bay Estuary Program.  Many local businesses and individuals have donated materials and time to make this garden a beautiful success.

April 27, 2001- The first planting                                      Jayeff Construction     donated  manpower and materials for the paths.

Several trees were donated by Shore Design Landscaping and Garden Center.

West Dover Girl Scouts donated the bench, birdbath, plants, and herbs.

2002

The Blue Jay’s Nest continues to grow and improve since our groundbreaking in May, 2001! Recently, each classroom that borders upon The Blue Jay’s Nest received their “Birding in a Box” kit. The kit includes a bird identification book, binoculars, a notebook to record sightings, and activities! Students list on a board in the hallway any animals they see during the week. We have listed hummingbirds, walking sticks, toads, and lots of different birds. A committee of staff members will begin creating a curriculum so that classes can use this area as a tool in the many curricular areas that are taught. West Dover is always looking for additional community members to help donate their time and resources into making this a better area for the students!