The boxes are located in the Dead Creek Wildlife Management area in Addison County. Twice a day for seven weeks a total of 40 volunteers made daily trips to them to monitor and feed the eagles, hiking in a half-mile from the Dead Creek fishing access area to the location. They were careful not to show their faces to the birds when they fed them to make sure the eagles didn't associate humans with food. On June 18, 2004, the first two eagles took flight from the boxes when the doors were finally opened. By July 6, all eight birds had left the boxes. Bald eagles do not nest until they reach sexual maturity at 4 to 6 years of age, so it will take time to determine if the program is a success. But with funding in place for another two years, the Vermont Bald Eagle Restoration Initiative will be continuing its effort to bring America's national symbol back home to Vermont.