Stowers Elementary Wins Birdhouse Competition

News Report

Sporting a Wild West theme that included included miniature haystacks and a duo of chess-playing farmhands, the birdhouse designed by Stowers Elementary School students and Ryland Homes was the hands-down vote-getter in the recent birdhouse-building contest sponsored by FishHawk Ranch.

More than 1,000 people voted in person at the information center, 15921 Courtside View Dr., Lithia, and on Facebook for their favorite birdhouse built in collaborations between FishHawk Ranch students and builders prior to the annual Parade of Homes March 15 to April 1.

During the contest, local elementary, middle and high school students worked with FishHawk Ranch homebuilders to design the most creative birdhouse for an award of $1,000 for their school from FishHawk Ranch.

The birdhouses were then displayed at the information center and residents and members of the surrounding communities were asked to pick their favorite roosts.

“The deep connection between the community and nature is cherished in FishHawk Ranch,” said Rick Harcrow, senior vice president of operations for Newland Communities. “This was a great opportunity for our builders to work together with our residents and local children to showcase their creativity and promote appreciation for the wildlife around FishHawk Ranch.”

Although only Stowers won $1,000, all teams are considered winners and will have their birdhouses on display throughout the trails in FishHawk Ranch.

The six contributing teams include and Cardel Homes; and Ryland Homes; Elementary School and Beazer Homes, and David Weekley Homes, and Arthur Rutenberg Homes; and the FishHawk Youth Sports Association baseball travel team and Ashton Woods Homes.