Teen Raising Funds for Conservation at Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve

It doesn't run in Raymond Gonzo's blood and no one urged him to take up this cause — conservation is just his passion.

"I've always been interested in it as long as I could remember," said 17-year-old Gonzo. "My parents aren't into conservation."

But now Gonzo, who just earned his Eagle Scout award, has begun a project that involves local politicians, naturalists and residents to build nest boxes at the that could help establish a population of ducks infrequently seen in the area.

"Its just only Canada geese, mallards and some swans [in the Preserve] — there really aren't any wood ducks," Gonzo said. 

The Garden State can be a tough place for wildlife and the 120 acre nature preserve acquired by the borough from Haledon in 2006 is the ideal place for his project, according to Gonzo.

"New Jersey is a state that is overrun by developers who are just anxious to get their hands on any kind of land that they can," he said.

According to Gonzo, John Spizziri, a Bergen County lawyer and Franklin Lakes Planning Board attorney, had the conservation project on his to-do list for "a long time," but hit a roadblock before the borough council. 

That's when Gonzo sprung into action.

Late last year the Ramapo High School senior donned his Boy Scout uniform and petitioned the , which granted him approval to move forward with his project in the Nature Preserve.

But the borough's green light left Gonzo with just one final hurdle to clear — raising the more than $400 Gonzo needs to construct the eight nest boxes that will draw the wood ducks. 

Wood ducks are a medium-sized duck between 19 and 21 inches and the "poster child for waterbird conservation efforts," according to the Audubon Society. The coloring of males is dramatic with "green and purple iridescence on the head" according to its website.

Gonzo, a dedicated volunteer and member of the Audubon Society, is asking the community to chip in to help his project.

"We would like to raise $440," Gonzo said. "If you would like to make a donation any amount is appreciated."

After he finishes up his final semester at Ramapo, Gonzo plans on studying zoology at Cornell or Ohio State.

If you'd like to make a donation contact Gonzo at 201-485-8332.