CCE partners with AviNest to establish bluebird trail at Fairgrounds

Sept. 6 open house will discuss efforts to support cavity-nesting birds

Photo by Dan Rosentreter: These are examples of cavity-nesting birdhouses made by Dan Rosentreter.

Press Release, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orleans County

KNOWLESVILLE – Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orleans County is partnering with AviNest to launch a hands-on conservation effort that protects native birds, restores local habitats, and gets the community involved—starting with a new Bluebird Trail at the fairgrounds.

Cavity-nesting birds like bluebirds, chickadees, and wrens are losing safe places to raise their young, but a local AviNest is stepping in to help.

AviNest, led by Medina business owner hobby conservationist Dan Rosentreter, is now part of Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension. Together, they’re expanding efforts to protect native bird species, restore habitat, and get the community involved in hands-on conservation work.

AviNest started with a simple idea: build and maintain safe nesting spaces for birds that need a little extra help. Today, Rosentreter maintains a network of 47 nest boxes across Medina, including in State Street Park, Pine Street Park, Lyons Park, Gulf Street Park and Boxwood Cemetery.

Now with support from CCE, AviNest is preparing to offer community classes and workshops covering topics like bird banding, nest box clean-outs, chickadee nest monitoring, invasive species management, working with 4-H youth, experimenting with new bird box designs, and eventually setting up a live-streaming bird box camera at the Orleans County Fairgrounds.

AviNest is also developing a new Bluebird Trail at the Fairgrounds and is currently seeking volunteers and donations to help bring the project to life.

“What began as a personal hobby with birds has grown into something much bigger,” said Rosentreter. “Now it’s about building community, supporting local wildlife, and making a real impact.”

Photo by Dan Rosentreter, Hi-Res Wildlife Photography: An Eastern Bluebird arrives at a nest box.

In addition to leading AviNest, Dan is a director of the New York State Bluebird Society and a talented wildlife photographer. His photo of an Eastern Bluebird taken right here in Western New York reflects the heart of AviNest’s mission—giving birds a safe place to call home.

The AviNest Open House is happening on Sept. 6 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend, meet Dan, and learn more about how to support cavity-nesting birds in our region.

For questions, to get involved, or to donate, contact orleans@cornell.edu, call 585-798-4265. (Click here for more information to donate through PayPal).