Davis, California - April 19, 2018 - (Newswire.com)
The Burrowing Owl Preservation Society has been invited to join the California Raptor Center (affiliated with the U.C. Davis School of Veterinary Medicine) for their annual spring open house on Saturday, May 5th, 9am-3pm.
Established in 2003, the Burrowing Owl Preservation Society, based in Yolo County, California, has been working to increase the Burrowing Owl population through education and research, focusing on protection and enhancement of the owls' grassland habitat.
The California Raptor Center's annual open house is a fun, family-oriented educational experience. Lectures on raptor rehabilitation, identification, conservation and adaptations are presented during the day. Visitors will have the chance to see live raptors on display.
Representatives from the Burrowing Owl Preservation Society will be on-hand at the May 5 open house to answer questions about Burrowing owls, and how to help preserve their habitats.
Though Burrowing Owls are not formally considered endangered, they are listed as a “species of special concern” in California. Yolo County was once was home to many of these small, adorable birds, but in 2014, only 15 pairs were counted.
In 2017, the Burrowing Owl Preservation Society sued the City of Davis for violations of the California Environmental Act. A planned development of a Marriott Residence Inn Hotel threatened one of the few remaining breeding pairs of Burrowing Owls around Davis. Agreements were reached with the developer that benefited and protected the owls.
Catherine Portman is co-founder and executive director of the Burrowing Owl Preservation Society. Portman said, "We encourage residents of Davis to urge the City Council to adopt Burrowing Owl conservation measures. If the City doesn't act soon, Yolo County residents will only be able to see Burrowing Owls at the Sacramento Zoo."
Portman also established an endowment at the UC Foundation. Awarded twice a year, the endowment funds a Burrowing Owl student research project. Undergrad or grad students at any UC campus may apply.
“It is my hope that by making money available to students, more of them will fall in love with burrowing owls and dedicate their careers to our sweet little owls,” Portman said.
At the open house, visitors can learn more about adorable Burrowing Owls and how to help protect them.
(Photo © John Ehrenfeld, all rights reserved)
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Original Source: Burrowing Owl Preservation Society to Join California Raptor Center Annual Open House
