This spring, Catholic Central welcomed a mother duck and her growing family to campus.

Around Memorial Day, members of the Catholic Central Facilities Team discovered a nesting pair of ducks in the school's courtyard. After consulting with wildlife experts, they learned that the nest could not be disturbed until the eggs hatched. The area was carefully protected, and staff members kept a watchful eye on the family as they patiently awaited the arrival of the ducklings.

That wait came to an end on Tuesday morning, June 2, when the eggs hatched, revealing nine baby ducklings. Soon, the courtyard was filled with the sight of the ducklings waddling behind their mother as they explored their temporary home.

Wanting to ensure the ducks could safely continue their journey, Facilities Team Member Christopher Garlacz coordinated with Michigan Duck Rescue and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Later that afternoon, a volunteer from Michigan Duck Rescue arrived to help escort the family to a more suitable habitat.

Together, they carefully guided the mother duck and her nine ducklings out of the courtyard, around the Robotics Arena, and through a roll-up door near the Robotics Center. From there, the family happily waddled into the wooded area behind the STEM parking lot, where they could continue their adventure in a natural environment.

Special thanks to Christopher Garlacz, Michigan Duck Rescue, and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for helping ensure the safety of our newest campus visitors.