Save the Ducks!
Riverbank Park in Westbrook has a large population of
ducks. Leah observed that a popular visitor activity at the park was
to feed the ducks bread and cereal, so she decided to investigate this
further. She discovered that while people thought they were helping
the ducks by feeding them, they were actually causing them harm. Leah
talked with staff at Maine Audubon and the Sustainability Manager of
Westbrook to confirm that improper feed was causing harm to the duck
population. Once she had confirmation, Leah worked with her project
advisor to research wildlife feeding ordinances enacted by other towns
so she could learn more about her community issue and what was being
done to address it.
Leah decided that the best way to
make an impact was to educate Westbrook residents and park visitors on
the harmful effects of feeding wildlife. Leah, her project advisor,
and the Westbrook Services Department worked together to design and
erect 3 signs along the Presumpscot River in the park asking visitors
not to feed the ducks and explaining the harmful effects of such
activities. Leah also had a table at several community events which
allowed her to share her project with others and educate the public
about her community issue. The town of Westbrook was inspired by
Leah’s project that enacted a “Don’t Feed the Ducks Campaign” and they
hope to pass an ordinance this spring in response to it.
Leah says that by completing her Silver Award project she feels more
confident and that she’s gained new leadership skills, such as public
speaking. Leah’s advice to other girls working on their Silver Award
is to “just do it and have fun!”
Silver Award Girl Scout, Leah Cromarty
08 Apr 2020
