The start of a Chimney Swift tower

The Holden Arboretum was contacted by a boy scout who wished to install a Chimney Swift tower as an Eagle Scout project. After reviewing several areas with the conservation department, a location behind Foster's pond was selected. Last weekend the tower began to take shape. This is just the start. When the tower is completed it will be 12 feet tall.

The Chimney Swift must have deep shafts in which to raise families and roost at night. Much like the Purple Martins, Chimney Swifts rely almost entirely on man-made structures for nest sites . The Chimney Swift can eat nearly one third of their weight in mosquitoes and other annoying insects daily. Further updates and information on Chimney swifts to follow.