Burrowing for the Owls

Event Details

September 15th, 2018, 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Sage and Sparrow Conservation Area, British Columbia
Habitat Restoration

This event will focus on installing burrows for burrowing owls. These small, long-legged owls who nest in the ground are currently extirpated (locally extinct) in BC. The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is partnering with the Burrowing Owl Conservation Society of BC to reintroduce these owls to BC’s grassland ecosystems. NCC has previously done work with burrowing owls on this conservation area, as well as in Saskatchewan and Alberta.

If you’d like to carpool to the event, please click here, to add your car or join a ride going to the event. There is also a wait list feature if there isn’t a ride there yet that works for you. Happy carpooling.

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More Information

About Sage and Sparrow Conservation Area

Sage and Sparrow Conservation Area is located on the border between Canada and the United States. A crucial part of a migratory corridor for wildlife, the landscape includes grasslands, rocky outcrops, sagebrush fields, gullies and dry forests. The grassland habitat in particular provides refuge for many endangered species, including pallid bat, Western rattlesnake and American badger. NCC acquired the Sage and Sparrow Conservation Area with the assistance of the Government of Canada’s Natural Areas Conservation Program (NACP), a unique public-private partnership to accelerate the pace of land conservation across southern Canada

What you will be doing

Volunteers will repair 2 and install 4 burrows by digging long trenches in the ground and lining them with pipe.

Why you will love it

Not only will you get to meet education bird Pluto, a live Burrowing Owl, but on the Sage and Sparrow Conservation Area, you'll be treated to a panoramic view that stretches into Washington State. Experience this amazing grassland while you contribute to the reintroduction of an important species; the return of burrowing owls signifies a healthy grassland ecosystem.

Questions?

Contact Travis Muir: travis.muir@natureconservancy.ca

Please Note

Volunteers are to meet NCC and Burrowing Owl Conservation Society of BC staff at the Osoyoos Visitor Centre. Here we will get a chance to use the bathroom and pile into trucks as a 4WD vehicle is recommended for accessing the conservation area (driving directions will be provided).

Strenuous work will be required
No toilets on site
Carpooling can be arranged
All tools will be provided by NCC
Water and snacks will be provided
Item Checklist

While we do our best to provide you with the tools you need to participate, please bring the following items if you have them:

Clothes
  • Closed-toed footwear
  • Long pants
  • Long shirt
  • Layers of clothing (light sweater and jacket)
  • Sun hat
  • Sun glasses
  • Raingear (weather-dependent)
Tools
  • Gardening gloves (if you prefer your own )
Miscellaneous
  • 2 Litre of water in a reusable bottle
  • Backpack or day pack
  • Lunch
  • Camera
  • Any necessary medications