A generous donation from Ron Hefty in memory of his brother Russ Hefty, an energetic crew from Scouting America Troop 127, and expert coordination by Friends board members Paul Noeldner, Russell Schwalbe, and Wendy Murkve resulted in the installation of a new colony of purple martin houses on August 22, 2026, in the Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park–North Unit.

“Citizen science” is a form of scientific engagement that empowers individuals to actively contribute to scientific projects. Citizen science has been employed in a wide range of areas of study, including ones pertinent to Cherokee Marsh, such as ecology, biology, limnology, and meteorology. There is an opportunity for you to get involved in weather measurements on your own property, as part of a larger citizen science effort.