Nature Done Wright

The Celery Farm Natural Area’s wood duck families have eight new nesting boxes this spring, thanks to the generosity of Dr. Gerhard Haas of Woodcliff Lake.

Haas, a professor at Fairleigh Dickinson University, donated the wooden nesting boxes in honor of his late wife, Rita, who enjoyed birds and the Celery Farm.

Haas was honored for his contribution on Saturday morning at a dedication ceremony at the welcome kiosk at the Franklin Turnpike entrance to the 107-acre natural area. A new bronze plaque on the kiosk memorializes Haas’ contribution. (The photo above is of Dr. Haas looking at the new plaque.)

“We were delighted to receive Dr. Haas’ donation, and so are the wood ducks,” said Celery Farm Warden and Fyke President Mike Limatola. “The previous boxes were old and rotting, and now they have all been replaced – and occupied.”

The boxes were installed over the winter, when the Celery Farm’s Lake Appert was frozen. The boxes are located over water to keep out raccoons and other predators, and should produce several generations of ducklings.