Per the announcement release, the goals of the competition and exhibit are to encourage the construction of functional/aesthetically pleasing birdhouses, encourage the use of environmentally sensitive materials, demonstrate ways to attract wildlife by creating unique backyard habitats, and also inspire creativity in backyard habitats while encouraging artistic and hand-crafted approaches to birdhouse design.

An interdisciplinary jury will select several entries in categories for adults, young adults, children and families/teams for display, with top winners receiving cash awards. Special awards also will be given for entries that are “well-designed as homes for birds and incorporate recyclable and recycled materials and nontoxic finishes.”

Entries will be accepted at the Ogden Nature Center’s Visitor Center front desk from March 17-22, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

An opening reception and exhibit stroll for competition winners will be held at 5:30 p.m. April 17. Winners will be notified to attend. Then, from April 17 through June 30, selected birdhouses will be on display for the duration of the exhibit. Entries left at the nature preserve after July 1 will be added to the permanent collection or discarded.

In the meantime, entrants may visit the Ogden Nature Center to view the installation site and/or research birdhouse styles. Resources on creative birdhouses also available at the nature center, 966 W. 12th St.

For more information, including entry guidelines, go to https://tinyurl.com/uzjk3t42.