By Clare Sherman —
On Thursday, September 4th, the Regionals’ Outdoor Club hosted a crafting event where students built their own bird feeder. Not only did this event promote sustainability and a respect for nature by using recycled materials, it also allowed Miami Regional students to learn more about the Outdoor Club and its events.
This event was set up in Schwarm Hall’s ROSA room, where club members distributed the necessary materials. Each bird feeder required an empty plastic water bottle with its cap, a piece of twine, a single chopstick, and birdseed. Additionally, packets with detailed, step-by-step instructions were distributed for students to follow while working at their tables.
To assemble the bird feeder, students turned the plastic bottle upside down and used scissors to cut two small holes at the base. They threaded the twine through the holes and tied a knot to create a loop for the feeder to hang from a tree branch. From here, they cut more small holes on opposite sides of the bottle, close to the cap, and slid the chopstick through to create a perch for birds to stand on. To provide birds with access to the food, several more holes were poked above each perch. Finally, students finished the project by adding the bird seed. Outdoor Club members were ready at the main table to provide the birdseed and funnel it into each bottle.
The finished product was a simple, ready-to-use bird feeder created from reusable materials. The feeder is perfect for hanging on a branch or outside a window, where it can attract local birds for students to watch and enjoy.
Throughout the event, Outdoor Club members represented their club well by explaining why their community thrives, offering insight into the club’s plans for the current academic year, and handing out QR codes so students could join the club’s mailing list.
The heart of the Outdoor Club is about more than going on trips and socializing with students; it’s about building a community of people with a shared love and respect for nature. Past events of the Outdoor Club include horseback riding, rock wall climbing, and even skiing at Perfect North Slopes during the winter months. This year, the club is excited to announce that they have successfully secured funding that will cover the cost of events for club members. For each event, they plan to select which members will have their costs covered using a lottery-style method.
Students who are interested in learning more about the Miami Regionals Outdoor Club are invited to stop by Schwarm Hall’s ROSA room this Wednesday, September 10th, at 4:30 pm, for their first information meeting. This is also a chance to sign up for the Outdoor Club mailing list and give input on future events.