“I’ve been trying to arrange a schedule of delivery of the materials such as compost, topsoil, seeds, shrubs and hay or straw,” she said. “It’s also important to coordinate those deliveries with people who show up to help.”

According to Carone, the project began as a bird sanctuary, but, little by little, student interest and private donations have allowed the space to evolve into an all-out wildlife habitat providing four basic elements: food, water, cover and places for animals to raise their young.

The project does not end with its construction. According to Carone, it requires attention year-round.

“We have to maintain the trees, shrubs and evergreens and even the nesting boxes which provide homes for the animals,” she said. “It’s a small space, but if you examine the vertical layers, it is a place where 16 to 18 different species of wildlife peacefully coexist.”

It’s all “for the birds” and to encourage them to return each year, Carone said they even heat the water in the bird baths.

Bailey Pearson, 10, is just one of the 10 Seton School fifth-graders who is now learning how to care for the wildlife habitat adjacent to their classroom.

“I’m excited about this project because I think it’s fun to fill up the bird feeders,” Pearson said. “And because I really love animals (she’s an aspiring primatologist), I’m anxious to learn how to care for them and to make a home for them that they will continue coming back to.”

Penni Schaefer can be reached at 724-6370 or by e-mail at pschaefer@meadvilletribune.com.