In Woodworking for Wildlife, a new CTE class taught by the new CTE teacher, Mr. Hodorski, students are tasked with creating wildlife habitats in order to help various species. Their latest project was nesting boxes, better known as bird houses. These are designed to provide structures, improve habitat, and create nesting opportunities for species here in Connecticut.

In order to create these sanctuaries, Mr. Hodorski reached out to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to obtain plans and to receive the materials needed to create these boxes. With this, students could proceed in creating the boxes and placing them in suitable areas. Some can be found outside of Mr. Hennesey’s classroom, alongside the trail to Dollar General, Veteran’s Memorial Park, and around town. Other boxes were donated back to state parks and forests.

Through this class, students were able to learn technical aspects of woodworking, like using machines, but they also learned how to help the environment. Mr. Hodorski stated he wanted students to learn “not only technical skills, but also that we can create simple things that can help change the environment and can help species like the bluebirds.”