Don’t Feed the Ducks

We decided to target Boca Rio Townhome Association, Woodfield Hunt Club, and the students at Spanish River Community High School in able to reach our goal. After vigorous planning, and decision making we created a survey that we personally distributed to various home owners, students, neighbors, etc. As we distributed surveys we collected phone numbers and names of various homeowners who expressed an interest in what we were doing. After talking to countless individuals we realized that no one really knew how bad feeding waterfowl really was. We also sensed that most people were reluctant to stop. So we came up with a solution that would allow the homeowners to fulfill their bird feeding necessities without poisoning the ducks; we would install feeding stations. They would be designed low enough for the ducks to eat out of themselves, but also accessible to humans. This way people could feed ducks the appropriate food. Of course, we needed to get permission to install these stations. As a result, our group wrote proposals to both Ms. Betty Marshall and Mr. Forbes, presidents of the developments, asking permission and both responded with acceptance. Now we could really make a difference.

After implementing the first feeding station, we made a presentation to our school. We started a movement in our school to sport a "Don’t Feed It Cuz It'll Eat it" pin. Our cause was the topic of many lunch conversations. Then we made a very impressive presentation to the board of the Boca Rio's Townhome Association explaining the issue and our plans of introducing the feeding station. We were taken very seriously, and everyone was impressed at how dedicated we were. The feeding station was put up the next day and almost immediately we were receiving calls from interested people who wanted to find a way to help. Soon, a system to sustain the feeding station was created with the help of four dedicated homeowners.

In our last month, we put up various signs around the lake directing people to the stations and giving interesting and shocking facts about artificial feeding. Through this experience we have had many ups and downs to deal with, however in the end it was a positive experience. Together we were able to develop a strong bond of friendship that could solve any problem and make the best of it. We have learned that one has to read people’s wants and expectations if you want a desired reaction out of an individual. We learned that imposing restrictions on people’s actions and telling or asking people to do something is not a very effective technique to accomplish a goal. You have to work with the person in order to reach a common goal.