Delta was started in January 2024, according to Kyle Greer, chairman of the chapter. The group is committed to promoting waterfowl production and hunting in Northeastern Michigan while also promoting the responsible use and management of natural resources.

Greer explained that the hen house and wood duck nesting box project is important to protect the current populations of waterfowl, but also to encourage successful breeding to ensure larger population numbers in the future.

“We’re trying to secure the future of waterfowl hunting and waterfowl watching for our local community and future generations,” Greer said.

Greer explained that the wood duck nesting boxes give puddle ducks, such as mallards, safe places to lay their eggs so that predators, such as raccoons, can’t reach them. Greer also stated that the wood duck nesting boxes are designed in a way so that geese cannot fit inside.

Kyle Greer and Melanie Kolm, a new Delta volunteer, are seen installing a wood duck nesting box.

During the installation process, Greer and five chapter volunteers placed hen houses and wood duck nesting boxes every 150 feet around Island Park. Greer explained that maintaining this distance is important as puddle ducks are territorial and need space for nesting.

According to Greer, seasonal wetlands are also popular places for puddle ducks to nest, though they are prime targets for predators. Establishing safe nesting spots helps prevent this.

Though some may be confused as to why an organization would go to the effort to help produce waterfowl populations just to hunt them, Greer said it is more than just hunting.

“We want to provide waterfowl for future generations for the enjoyment of everybody,” Greer said. “So if that is a byproduct…that I get to hunt more waterfowl…great. I’m happy. But if I never shoot another duck in my life and I get to see as many ducks as I can, I’m fine with that deal.”

Further, Melanie Kolm, a new volunteer for Delta, explained how the chapter’s efforts are in line with general environmental conservation.

The Sunrise Side Chapter of Delta Waterfowl's hen houses are ready to be installed.

“It’s almost like replenishing a resource,” Kolm said. “Conservation efforts… seem like it’s more about replenishing the resources and not taking away from what’s available and depleting it entirely.”

Kolm said that she joined Delta because of the work they do to preserve the natural landscape of Northeast Michigan.

“(I joined) mostly because of the conservation movement and efforts…supporting Delta in their efforts to preserve the wetlands with the breeding habitats and such for the waterfowl,” Kolm said. “You know, it’s a great effort…and I recognize the need for volunteers.”

Greer and Alex Birch, secretary of Delta, explained that the chapter has been involved in projects to educate young people who are interested in duck hunting and waterfowl conservation.

Lucas Baker, a Delta volunteer, joined the chapter for both the conservation efforts and the chance to encourage the younger population of Northeast Michigan to get involved with Delta and duck hunting.

Greer is seen showing volunteers the inside of the wood duck nesting boxes.

“I think Delta offers a lot of different pillars or programs to help out with our duck population, including getting youth involved… they’re going to grow up over the next 10, 15 years and be on our side and help us out,” Baker said. “Delta also does a really good job of putting us duck hunters out there and giving us an opportunity to actually improve the habitat. And I think it benefits people other than just us…I come here and walk around (Island Park) sometimes at lunch, and you’ll see all these people who do the same thing. People sitting up here with binoculars, birdwatching. So I think other than just my own personal duck hunting use, it does a lot of other good things for the community.”

Kayla Wikaryasz can be reached at 989-358-5688 or kwikaryasz@TheAlpenaNews.com.

Damaged wood duck nesting boxes are seen laying on the back of Greer’s boat. Greer and volunteers helped remove the damaged wood duck nesting boxes from the water.