For the birds: Students create habitats for Texas A&M bird population using recycled materials
A vibrant bird habitat and outdoor classroom was created on the lower-level terrace of the Langford Architecture Center, starting with a simple idea from students during a landscape architecture class led by lecturer Dingding Ren.
“What if we built them a sanctuary?”
Day in and day out, Ren’s students observed a family of house finches nesting on the ledges of the brutalist concrete Langford A building. Texas A&M is home to thousands of wildlife, primarily birds, that inhabit the trees, roofs, and often the buildings themselves.
Ren recognized an opportunity to create a space that would benefit both the birds and students.
“Many students had expressed concerns about the lack of suitable outdoor spaces to study or relax,” Ren explained. “Birdwatching is a great way to unwind, especially in a high-stress environment like design college.”
The Project
Ren had access to old wood materials used during the COVID-19 pandemic for outdoor studio sessions. After disassembling the wooden easels, the class was left with 552 pieces of timber and 1,128 screws. With just these materials at their disposal, Ren assembled 11 volunteers to help bring the sanctuary to life.
The design process was collaborative and organic. “It started with discussions and on-site sketches,” Ren recalled. “Every design was original, unique to the space, and not based on any external references.”
Ren saw the project as a chance to create an interactive, outdoor learning lab. “It was a passion-driven initiative,” he said. “The project was entirely voluntary, requiring students to commit their weekends from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. over the course of a month.”
The entire project was completed on a $0 budget, using only repurposed materials and the labor of dedicated students. Some even contributed wildflowers from their own backyards to help replant at the sanctuary.
A few faculty members pitched in as well.
“Thomas M. Woodfin donated sunflower seeds he harvested from his backyard to help diversify the backdrop for the wildflowers,” said Ren.
Students who volunteered for the bird installation say they are pleased with the result.
“It is incredibly rewarding to see your craftsmanship used as it was meant to be, no matter how simple,” said Lauren Kasel, a landscape architecture student.
Having spent four years as a student in Langford A, Kasel added, “I rarely saw anyone in ‘the pit,’ so I was excited to breathe new life into it.”
There’s a certain pride in transforming something old into something new according to Kasel.
“It’s a beautiful art piece for everyone to enjoy,” Kasel said.
Campus Bird Map
After completing their work on the bird habitat, the group hosted an event to showcase their accomplishments to fellow students and staff. The event featured organized games, prizes, and a detailed map highlighting 18 of the 177 bird species found throughout the Texas A&M University campus.
The bird map includes information on nest locations, diets, habitats, and incubation for the following native species:
- Barn swallow
- Belted kingfisher
- Carolina chickadee
- Chimney swift
- Cliff swallow
- Common nighthawk
- European starling
- Great-tailed grackle
- Killdeer
- Lincoln’s sparrow
- Mourning dove
- Northern cardinal
- Northern mockingbird
- Rock pigeon
- House sparrow
- Chipping sparrow
- Turkey vulture
- Blue jay
Several species highlighted in the project are protected, including the Chimney swift, Cliff swallow, Common nighthawk, Lincoln’s sparrow, Mourning dove, Chipping sparrow, Turkey vulture, and Blue jay.
Ren and his team conducted online research and utilized Geographic Information System (GIS) tools to examine the data. GIS allowed them to integrate maps with their data, enhancing their understanding of patterns, relationships, and trends in specific locations. They also relied heavily on iNaturalist, a platform where users can share their nature observations, to assist in gathering information. Ren and his team created the analysis diagrams and maps using Adobe Illustrator to present their findings effectively.
Student Achievement
The initiative received notable recognition when the team won an ASLA award, making history as the first Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) students to achieve this honor at Texas A&M University. The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) awards celebrate outstanding achievements in landscape architecture and design. Ren and his students were formally recognized during the awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., on October 7, 2024. To learn more about the project and award click here.
Campus Bird Maps Available at Select Locations:
- Texas A&M College of Architecture, Langford Architecture Building A, second-floor atrium outside Student Services
- Lick Creek Park Offices
- College Station City Hall
- Texas A&M Forest Service Office
- Evans Library
- VetMed, VENI Building welcome desk
