BirdSongConnect Reaches Lucky Number Seven at Historic Arcola Mills

The birds of the St. Croix Valley have a few more listeners now!

On June 26, Sustainable Stillwater MN's Bird City program celebrated another exciting milestone by installing the seventh BirdSongConnect Haikubox at the beautiful Historic Arcola Mills along the banks of the St. Croix River.

If you've never heard of a Haikubox before, think of it as a "smart ear" for nature. These small recording units continuously listen for bird songs and calls, using artificial intelligence to identify species throughout the day and across the seasons. It's a fascinating way to monitor bird populations without disturbing the wildlife we're trying to protect.

But this project is about much more than technology.

BirdSongConnect is a growing citizen science initiative that connects conservation, education, and community. Students from the Synergy Club will use the recordings to collect and analyze data, helping them better understand the health of bird populations and the ecosystems they call home. Even more exciting, the observations become part of Cornell University's global bird database, contributing to research that helps scientists study birds on a much larger scale.

The new Arcola Mills installation is especially meaningful because it's located within an Important Bird Area (IBA) recognized by Audubon and conservation partners for its exceptional bird habitat. It's the perfect place to listen to the incredible diversity of species that depend on the St. Croix River corridor.

The BirdSongConnect network continues to grow throughout the Valley. Current monitoring locations include:

• Carpenter Nature Center

• Belwin Conservancy

• Grant

• Sally Manzara Nature Center

• Mulberry Creek Ravine

• Little Carnelian Lake

• Historic Arcola Mills

And there's more to come—a Haikubox will soon be installed at Lumberjack Landing Park, expanding the network even further.

A big thank you goes out to the volunteers and partners who helped make this installation possible. Every new location adds another piece to the puzzle, helping us better understand and protect the incredible birdlife that makes the St. Croix Valley such a special place.

Next time you're out enjoying nature, take a moment to stop and listen. You might hear a beautiful chorus—but thanks to BirdSongConnect, you'll know someone else is listening too.