Crow-mmunity Helpers

In Stockholm, Sweden, wild crows have joined a unique cleanup team. These super-smart birds are “paid” with food to pick up cigarette butts scattered across the city. The project, run by Corvid Cleaning, could save the city up to 75% of the normal cleanup costs! New Caledonian crows are perfect for the job because their reasoning skills are said to match those of a 7-year-old child. The best part? The birds participate voluntarily with no cages or force required.

This creative idea shows how nature and humans can work together to solve everyday problems. But crows might be able to help with more than just litter. What else could their smarts accomplish?

Your Task:

1. Spot a Problem: Think of a challenge in your life, school, or community. Maybe it’s trash on the playground, food scraps after lunch, or even lost items in the park.

2. Brainstorm with Care: How could crows safely and willingly help? Remember: it must be fun and non-harmful for the birds.

3. Create Your Plan: Write or sketch a quick idea. Include:

   1. A name for your project

   2. What the crows would do

   3. How you’d train or reward them

   4. Why it helps people and keeps the birds happy

Get creative! Your plan could inspire the next big human-animal partnership!