Fostering Community and Conservation: Purple Martin Project in Summerport
Resident's Passion Connects Neighbors, Nurtures Wildlife
In the heart of Summerport, a vibrant Horizon West community, resident Jordan Baszner has found a unique way to connect his neighbors with nature. Leading the Summerport Purple Martin Conservation project, Jordan has created a special sanctuary for migratory birds, bringing both education and environmental stewardship to his neighborhood.
As an environmental educator at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Jordan is no stranger to wildlife conservation. His passion for Purple Martins, North America's largest swallows, inspired him to establish a conservation project right in his own backyard. In 2017, after nearly a year of negotiations with his neighborhood’s HOA and nearby residents, Jordan launched the Summerport Purple Martins Facebook group. This platform became a hub for community engagement, where he shared updates, hosted educational sessions, and invited neighbors to participate in the project.
What are Purple Martins?
Purple Martins are native songbirds of the swallow family. They are considered a “Watch List” species, which means that they are at risk and proactive conservation is critical. These birds annually migrate several thousand miles from Brazil in South America through Central America and across the Gulf of Mexico, typically arriving here in Central Florida in January and February.
Purple Martins are highly dependent on man-made structures like birdhouses and gourds for nesting, particularly in the eastern U.S. They prefer open areas with clear flight paths and are known to establish colonies where multiple nesting options are available.
Jordan found a perfect spot to install elevated Purple Martin housing with multiple nesting units — an open space along the north fence of Keene's Crossing Elementary that neighbors a retention pond!
Conservation Takes Flight
The project officially took flight in late 2017, with Jordan organizing community events to assemble nesting compartments and celebrate the raising of the Purple Martin house. By February, the first birds had moved in, and by March, the community witnessed the magic of new life as the first eggs hatched. That inaugural season saw the birth of 32 baby birds, a testament to the success of the project.
Year after year, Jordan continues to maintain and monitor the Purple Martin house, ensuring the birds have a clean and safe place to nest. His efforts extend beyond simple maintenance; he actively involves the community, particularly children, in conservation activities. From “nest checks” where participants can observe nests, eggs, and hatchlings up close, to educational sessions that highlight the importance of these birds, Jordan's project has become a beloved feature of Summerport.
In 2024, the Summerport Purple Martin Facebook group welcomed Dr. Jason Fischer from Disney’s Animals, Science, and Environment team for an online presentation. Dr. Fischer provided insights into the broader Purple Martin conservation efforts at Disney, highlighting how local projects like Summerport's contributes to a larger mission of preserving this species.
Purple Martins, once linked to ancient myths and revered across cultures, now face the challenges of a changing environment. The Summerport Purple Martins initiative not only provides a safe haven for these birds but also fosters a sense of community and environmental responsibility among area residents. Through his efforts, the beauty and importance of the Purple Martins are celebrated, ensuring that both the birds and the community thrive together.
How to Participate
The success of the Summerport Purple Martins project relies on community support.
Here are a few ways you can get involved:
- Join the Facebook Group: Follow "Summerport Purple Martins" for updates and volunteer opportunities.
- Volunteer: Participate in maintenance activities for the birdhouses or educational sessions.
- Stop by to see the birds
- The nesting unit is on the north side of Keene's Crossing Elementary, near the intersection of Saltmarsh Sparrow Drive and Blue Major Drive.
- 8-10am is the best viewing time to see and hear them when they are most active.
- The first Purple Martins were spotted in Florida Dec 30. Expect to see them here in Summerport within the next 2 weeks!
- Spread the Word: Share information about the project with friends and neighbors to raise awareness!
Share This Story...
