Hen House Project

PHCT's Hen House Project was started by its members in the winter of 1992-93 when PHCT was introduced to floating nest structures. Consisting of two cylindersfastened to a triangle shaped platform that floated in the water and anchored by a cement block. They were placed in larger bodies of water where predators such as fox, raccoon, or skunk could not reach the nesting hen mallard ducks. After using this method for a few years, PHCT decided that they were too labor intensive and started using the more economic pole type structure that could also be used in smaller wetlands.

Construction is done in Gene Eidem's shed near Evensville by trust members and other area conservation groups. They gather every Sunday in January and February to do maintenance on existing structures and build new ones. The hen house project continues to grow. Approximately 400 hen houses exist with a success rate range of 80+%, making a significant impact on the area's duck population.

PHCT Motto

Our time on earth is brief, yet the land goes on forever, carrying with it the marks of each succeeding landowner. As fleeting trespassers on land that belongs to future generations, we must touch the land gently, caring for it as true stewards, so that those who assess out record will see our love and respect for the land and life.