A Calgarian’s lifelong commitment to protecting the environment has helped countless birds and increased conservation awareness.

Andrew Stiles’ conservation efforts began as a child, more than four decades ago, when a naturalist at the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary issued a challenge to the young boy.

“He was putting up all these birdhouses back in the early 1970s to see if he could help the bluebird numbers go up,” recalls Andrew. “He said ‘Andrew, why don't you build 50, I built 400.’ I said ‘Alright, you're on’.”

Andrew’s dad, Don Stiles, took his son to construction site dumpsters where they gathered wood to start the project.

Once the birdhouses were built and set in place, the father and son became avid bird watchers as native bird populations, which had struggled following the introduction of house sparrows and starlings, flourished.

Andrew’s appreciation for wildlife grew alongside the Mountain Bluebird, tree swallow and wren numbers. His efforts dwarfed the naturist's challenge and he constructed hundreds of bird habitats.

As an adult, Andrew continues to bring his conservation message to schools and libraries. Children and teachers discovered the enthusiasm Andrew has for the project is contagious.

Khaviya Moorthy is one of thousands of young people who have responded to Andrew's message. Alongside her father, Sarvana, Khaviya become a bird enthusiast.

The Moorthy’s constructed a birdhouse in the backyard of the family home and birds soon followed.

“A species of bird, it's called a tree swallow, it comes to our bird house every year and this year it laid seven eggs and they all hatched,” beamed Khaviya.

Kim Brado, an elementary school teacher with the Calgary Board of Education, has invited Andrew into her classroom on several occasions.

“He is so passionate and so inspiring,” said Brado. “He always has the kids riveted on him from the moment he starts his presentation till the time it's over.”

“They just love him.”

Andrew is thrilled by the reaction of students to the program.

“They feel empowered,” said Andrew. “They feel that they're making the world a better place by helping the birds.”

Andrew Stiles recounts his conservation efforts on his Calgary Birdman blog.

For helping to saving bird populations while inspiring a new generation of conservationists, Andrew Stiles is this week’s Inspiring Albertan.

With files from CTV's Darrel Janz