Duck House Building Contest Goes Swimmingly
After two months of designing and building, the ducks at Prospect Meadow Farm Berkshires are going to be living in comfort—and style!
Work crews from Prospect Meadow Farm, Community Based Day Support (CBDS), and the Skillbuilders MakerSpace+ programs each created several stylish duck houses, which will be on display at the Berkshire Farm location in Pittsfield.
The farm sees many mallard ducks and geese come and go throughout the year. The duck houses for the farm’s “Berkshire Duck Village” will help keep the flock comfortable and warm during the winter months, their preferred time of year to spend at the farm. The flock typically migrates during the spring, with a smaller group staying behind during the summer.
Staff and farmhands alike were excited to start the project for the first time. Ashley Williams, Prospect Meadow Farm Berkshires program director, said she hopes to have more events in the future to continue bringing together the different farm programs.
The houses were judged on Friday, Sept. 19. Everyone went home with accolades and prizes, with each award being decided by a peer vote.
Most Creative Design – CBDS Crew
Best Use of Materials – Scott’s Crew
Best Decoration – Skillbuilder’s Crew
Most Likely to be featured on MTV Cribs – Chad’s Crew
Cutest Design – Skillbuilder’s Crew
Most Fun Design – Berkshire’s Crew
Most Unique Style – Scott’s Crew
Most Likely to make a duck smile – Mike’s Crew
Overall Winners
3rd Place: The Berkshire Farm
2nd Place: Chad’s Carpentry Crew
1st Place: East CBDS Crew
“Each duck house reflects the creativity and teamwork that result when our staff and farm hands collaborate,” said Ashley Williams, Prospect Meadow Farm Berkshires program director. “This contest allowed participants to explore different approaches to brainstorming, engage in hands-on building, and gain experience even without prior skills.
Being together at a site far from the other farms created a special sense of community, leaving a lasting impact on the farm hands.”
Thank you to each participant; we’re grateful and proud to have you take part! The ducks are going to love those houses!
