Iowa students would like your input on educational sign

[Dave Duit]

The IPMO is working closely with high school students and they request your input on an educational sign that will be near the public purple martin site. A professional graphic artist will be doing the fancy stuff; but the students want to hear what you think should be included on this sign.
What are some things that would interest the public about martins? Share your thoughts here.

[Anthony Neira]

Dave, I would remind people about, How the Martins rely on Humans to help them because their natural homes are not the same as before, how American Indians influenced their home choice, & how S&S were introduced , but backfired. I sure someone else can condense & refine that. Glad you have an Artist, if you were down here I would Love to do the art work! Sounds Great! Keep up the Great Work! & Good Luck !

[apundt-TX]

A name and a contact number
Website url
QR code for someone to get the info to their smart phone
Maybe a timeline of what is going on at the site or when babies might be seen

[Dave Duit]

I must apologize for my horrendous grammar and spelling on my original post. I laugh at myself. The idea for a history introduction would be a great way to start the sign. I would love to have you do the art work, but it would cost a ton to have it shipped from your location to Iowa. Apundt, the website and contact info are a must and the students have that in the plans, but the QR code is an awesome idea. We will definitely look into the QR code as the IPMO has some connection with DNR members and others with the technical savvy to make it a reality. Thanks and we look forward to more ideas as they come in.

[taxidermy lady]

Keep it a positive! Martins need us! Their joyful song will brighten anyone's day!

[Vern1]

Keep it simple and to the point.
Too long and folks will just gloss over it and not gain anything.
Definately a link to PMCA and the local organization.
The PMCA link gets the deeper information whereas the local organization will help folks with "localized information" such as approximate arrival, nesting, fledging dates, etc. for that area.
Say something about the Martins being dependent on humans for housing.
Keep everything positive and don't dwell on "bad birds" initially.
As folks fall in love with Martins, they will be more receptive to protecting them from S&S.

Hope that helps!

[Anthony Neira]

Yes Dave, after 23 yr.s of "Martining ", I've found that the 2 things people talk/ask most are " Why don 't they just make their nest In/ on trees ?" AND "Why should we have ANYTHING AGAINST Those Beautiful Black & Gold speckled birds with the long pretty yellow beak & long legs?" AND "those cute innocent little Brown Birds with the cute black bibs ?" Then comes, "Where can we put the SEED trays to feed the Martins?" & "What are Brazilian Birds doing here?"..."Great, I'll just put a bird house on a pole when I get home, 'cause I don't want Mosquitoes"! & Yes, it is a job trying to Keep it short & simple also! I Hope some of these points help you a little, & Thanks again for doing that!

[EGunterTX]

Last year, as I was designing a memorial plaque, the "experts" said to keep it short. Over something like 150 words & people just won't take the time.

I like the QR code idea.

Keep it positive!

[kehunter]

You may want to put some pictures of martins perching or in flight, since there may be times of day when the birds are all out feeding, and visitors might not see a "live one". Include a suggestion about visiting the site in late afternoon, "pre-dusk" to see the colony return from the afternoon feeding, circle and head in for the evening.

[tim414]

If it's only one sign, then definitely keep it short.

If ya could do a series/several signs set-up around the site, each sign possessing a tid bit of information; peeps might want to read it. Maybe start with mating/eggs, next growth time/nest time to fledge, where they like to live and tell them these are American birds that help control flying bug population; then peeps might be more apt to remember them

What AP said; great idea re: code.

[krushing]

How about something like a fact page
Purple Martins:
*Martins eat Insects not seeds * Martins migrate every year to Brazil and return faithfully to their North American nesting sites * Martins Need Human Help for Housing and survival. * Martins are a protected Species under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918
Want to learn more ? read about them at www.Purplemartin.org

[Dave Duit]

Some of these ideas have been integrated into the sign. Others are new and very useful and inventive. The students will meet on Tuesday Feb 10th after school to work out details of everyone's ideas. We thank you and keep the thoughts coming.

[Anthony Neira]

WOW! Dave , we acted like we were building Spacecraft Pioneer 12 Plaque or something ! like Pioneer 10 & 11 with plaques showing a Man & Woman, & a Star Map to Earth! I tell ya, you ask here & you shall receive ! Good Luck, let us know the outcome !

[avesrun]

Hi Dave!
I will be using the Pmca Purple Martin educ. Poster as one of the main signs on display at the public quarry site near west des Moines. I'm having it enlarged and made into an interpretive panel on a pedestal. I'm thinking you could also obtain permission for same if you wanted to explore that option. The poster can be viewed at the PMCA shop. I will also have an additional sign with the Iowa Purple Martin and other info; but the poster has a lot of great info and will keep the PMCA and their mission also as a main focus. I'll be seeing you 'round and thanks for all the help you've been to me at both my personal and public sites in the works.
Tim

[Dave Duit]

Hi Tim,
The poster is top notch from the PMCA. I plan on stopping down to your public site at Walnut Wood Park and meeting with you in person to look over everything sometime this spring or summer. Thanks again.

[~Ray~Gingerich]

Maybe one of the Geo locator maps would create some interest