Little Voices, Lasting Impact: Young Sisters Inspire New Osprey Nests at Cross Creek Park

A local family is showing that sometimes big changes begin with small voices.

When 5-year-old Sloane Genevieve Dera and her 4-year-old sister, Bellamy Celeste Dera, found two baby ospreys had died after their deteriorating nest failed, they wanted to help. With the support of their parents, the sisters turned their concern into action, reaching out to Hillsborough County in hopes of giving future generations of ospreys a safer place to call home in the New Tampa area.

"We wanted to help because Bellamy and I like nature," said Sloane Genevieve. "We were so sad that we sent a video to Hillsborough County."

Their efforts led Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation to install two new osprey nesting platforms at the newly renovated Cross Creek Park in New Tampa. The move created new opportunities for birds to safely nest while highlighting the County's ongoing commitment to balancing recreation with wildlife conservation. One of the new platforms is already serving its purpose, with an osprey making the nest its new home.

"Seeing ospreys in the nest, it's like seeing the work that we've done," said Sloan Genevieve. "We feel a sense of accomplishment knowing that when we use our voice to make something happen."

Hillsborough County identified an opportunity to repurpose an existing utility pole and nesting platform, transforming leftover materials into two new osprey nesting structures at Cross Creek Park.

To recognize the family's dedication, Hillsborough County installed a commemorative plaque on one of the nesting platforms honoring Sloan and Bellamy for their role in protecting local wildlife and inspiring the project.

For Nikita Dera, the mother of Sloan Genevieve and Bellamy Celeste, the plaque serves as a lasting reminder that people of all ages can make a meaningful impact on their community.

"I hope this reminds people that if they want to see change happen, it could be as simple as a phone call away," said Nikita. "I think people should be encouraged by this story and take ownership of their back yard."

Why ospreys matter

Ospreys are among Florida's most recognizable birds of prey and play an important role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Sometimes called the "fish hawk," the osprey feeds almost exclusively on fish, helping naturally balance fish populations in lakes, rivers, ponds, and coastal waterways. Ospreys are often considered indicators of a healthy environment because they rely on clean water and healthy fisheries. Ospreys prefer to build large nests high above the ground on elevated structures with views of nearby water. The new nesting platforms at Cross Creek Park will provide ospreys with stable nesting sites for years to come while giving park visitors another opportunity to observe native wildlife in its natural habitat.

Building parks that work for people and wildlife

As Hillsborough County continues investing in parks and recreational spaces, preserving natural habitats remains an important part of every project. Whether planting trees, protecting wetlands, improving trails, or creating wildlife habitat, the County works to ensure parks remain places where residents can exercise, relax, and enjoy Florida's natural beauty.

Thanks to the determination of two young sisters and their family's love for nature, future generations of ospreys will have a safer place to nest, and visitors will have another reminder that even the smallest voices can have a lasting impact.