Conservation of Purple Martins
Your donation will help conserve and enhance Purple Martin populations in the Dakotas for you, your friends, your children, and their children. Purple Martins need your help to make a difference today!
North Red River Valley Purple Martin Project
We received a heartfelt note from one of our partners after we informed them that their colony fledged 13 young:
"What an outstanding job. I’m so glad we got connected with you. Not much happened with those Purple Martin houses until you showed up. Now look! It’s an amazing – and gratifying – experience. Thanks so much for all your effort and time!"
— Steve
Greenway of Grand Forks Purple Martin Site
Located near 13th Avenue South and Belmont Road in Grand Forks, ND, on the dry side of the Greenway, this site features a Lonestar system. The Greenway encompasses over 2,200 acres of natural space, providing a range of recreational, educational, and environmental benefits for residents and visitors alike. It plays a crucial role in enhancing and restoring the ecological stability of the Red River corridor.
During the spring and summer months, the site attracted at least seven Purple Martins, with three breeding pairs successfully fledging twelve young. Additionally, many migrating Purple Martins utilized the area as a shelter in late spring.
The Greenway has proven to be an excellent habitat for Purple Martins. However, a storm on July 24, 2020, caused the Purple Martin house to be blown over, resulting in irreparable damage. A replacement house was shipped after the 2021 nesting season.
On May 3, 2022, the new Purple Martin house and pole were installed, and they were successfully occupied during the nesting season.
Eagle Scout Purple Martin Site
This site is located at 2377 Belmont Rd, Grand Forks, ND, on the Grand Forks County Historical Society property, featuring a T-14 Purple Martin House system.
The Grand Forks County Historical Society encompasses three acres of land in Grand Forks, making it a beautiful landmark for the community. Erected near the Red River of the North, the society's collection includes the oldest building in Grand Forks, the original log Post Office. The T-14 Purple Martin House system is appropriately located near the Lustron House, a steel home prefabricated in the post-World War II era.
The Eagle Scout Purple Martin Site was completed in the summer of 2015, attracting Purple Martins in the spring of 2016. Unfortunately, the house and pole were destroyed during Blizzard Aaliyah on December 23, 2020, which produced winds gusting up to 60 mph.
On May 7, 2022, the Purple Martin house and pole were replaced with a Poly-Wood Troyer T-14 Purple Martin House, which was occupied during the first nesting season.
Venturing Summit Award Purple Martin Sites
The sites near Sunbeam Tail Head and 47th Avenue South Access in Grand Forks, North Dakota, are situated on the dry side of the Greenway and feature two Poly-Wood Troyer T-14 Purple Martin House systems. This area serves as a gateway to scenic trails and recreational activities along the Red River, offering well-maintained paths for walking, biking, and jogging, as well as picnic spots for families. Known for its accessibility, Sunbeam Tail Head is a favored starting point for exploring the lush landscapes and diverse wildlife.
The establishment of these Purple Martin sites was made possible by an Evolve Grand Forks award granted to Camden Larson. This grant aims to enhance local environmental and recreational projects, promoting ecological sustainability and community engagement in Grand Forks. These efforts not only provide a safe haven for Purple Martins but also enrich the community by fostering a deeper connection with nature and encouraging outdoor activities.
Strategically located near the Red River of the North, these sites benefit from the ecological stability of the corridor, making them ideal for Purple Martins. The Venturing Summit Award Purple Martin Sites were completed on November 6, 2020, in preparation for the nesting season, and successfully attracted Purple Martins during the spring of 2021.