What's a Bird Barge?

The Bird Barge will be a barge converted into a floating wildlife sanctuary.
It will be towed up and down a large river from time to time,
providing an "Outpost Oasis" for migratory birds, resident birds,
amphibians and perhaps a few small mammals and invertebrates.
Imagine ducks, geese and herons perched near the edges,
turtles and frogs climbing aboard,
songbirds and even hawks dropping by to roost in the higher branches.
Bats may spend the day in a bathouse, and go out at night to eat mosquitoes.
When the Barge moves further South, will an alligator wander up the gangplank?

Migratory birds may stop overnight, and those who fly by night
may spend a day or two resting up for the next part of their journey.
A few may even hitch a ride on the Barge, or decide to nest in the birdhouses.
Studies show that birds nesting out of reach of predators,
in 'safe' places like islands,
have a much higher success rate raising their young.
Can we help an endangered or threatened species with the Bird Barge?

There will be plants, shrubs and small trees on the Bird Barge.
Plantings will help provide food for the residents and those passing by,
attracting species in need of its seasonal offerings.
Some plants will also help clean harmful substances out of the water.
The Barge can be moored at a point
where a polluted stream is joining a river,
and its plants will help clean the water
before it flows into the larger waterway.
Sculptures will be installed on the Barge to provide shelter for wildlife.

The Barge will be towed behind a boat and moored where it is needed,
whether to follow bird migrations or to clean up waste sites,
and will serve as a traveling environmental art exhibit.
It will contain electronic monitoring systems so that its progress can be followed
by home computers, nature centers, businesses and schools, as it travels the river.

The Bird Barge is planned for a large river in the Mid-Western US,
and is looking for partners and sponsors.
Please contact if you would like to be included
as a sponsor or partner, help with logistics, construction, research,
or take part in the Bird Barge project in any way.