The Florida Everglades agricultural area is the heart of the state’s sugarcane, rice and vegetable crops. In a period of 14 months during 2004 & 2005, the area was hit with 3 major hurricanes. In the Glades, farming is more than a source of income; it is a way of life. Successful crop harvests are due in large part to the barn owl, which is a natural predator of the local rodent population. Without the barn owl, rodents would destroy these crops.

Unfortunately, the hurricanes destroyed almost 90 percent of the nesting habitat for the barn owl. Girl Scouts teaches DISCOVER, CONNECT, TAKE ACTION. The troops of the Palm Glades Council decided to undertake an all out effort to build new nesting boxes for the barn owls in order to protect their crops and the economy of the region. Scientists estimate that one pair of barn owls can reduce the rodent population by 1,500 per year. The council is constructing and placing enough barn owl nesting boxes in the area to eliminate an estimated 187,000 rodents per year! In the process, the Girl Scouts have gained community support for their efforts, donations of building supplies and volunteer help to transport the boxes to the needed areas. Because of their efforts, the use of pesticides has also been greatly reduced, thereby improving water and air quality for all.