Woodland Mayor to Recognize 'Burrowing Owls'
April 2, 2006Daily Democrat
The Burrowing Owl Preservation Society requested the city of Woodland proclaim April 8 as Burrowing Owl Day and it has done so.
"We were delighted the Mayor graciously consented," said Catherine Portman, president of the Burrowing Owl Preservation Society. "It's great the mayor acknowledges the county's natural heritage and BOPS' educational mission to raise citizens' awareness of our burrowing owl neighbors."
Yolo County is also scheduled Tuesday to acknowledge the owls' importance.
The Society was contacted by the National Wildlife Federation. The Federation has partnered with New Line Cinema and Walden Media for the upcoming release of the children's movie, "Hoot."
The movie is about some pre-teen children who try to protect some burrowing owls on a construction site. Woodland will host a screening of the movie April 8.
Ursula Heffernon, education director of BOPS, has been working with Tafoya Elementary School students on an interactive burrowing owl curriculum.
"The movie is an excellent opportunity for people to learn about burrowing owls and be entertained at the same time," said Heffernon. "And it's a good opportunity to involve local government in issues of importance, like protecting wildlife, to its citizens."
Mayor Matt Rexroad will formally present BOPS with the proclamation at the Woodland City Council meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Council Chambers, 300 First St.
BOPS will donate copies of the Newbery Award winning book "Hoot" and "My Little Book of Burrowing Owls" to local libraries.
