By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
In 2011, former Great Bend Convention and Visitors Bureau Director Cris Collier organized the idea to place decorated birdhouses throughout Great Bend, mostly in front of businesses. Collier’s thought process was to create a link between Great Bend and the Wetlands and Wildlife National Scenic Byway and to promote a walking tour.
Current CVB Director Christina Hayes said any way to indorse Great Bend’s birding community is welcomed.
"Cheyenne Bottoms has 90,000 visitors a year," said Hayes. "As a birding community, the birdhouses are a way to recognize that. Chicago has the bulls. It's a tourist attraction."
In 2020, a “brighten the birdhouses” project commenced to spruce up the structures with new paint, designs and artists. The birdhouses range from three feet to five feet tall.
Hayes said another project will begin in 2024 to refresh some of the designs and add new birdhouses. Hayes said the goal is to have the structures revamped by June Jaunt.