Matt Lechmaier of SLEWS invites BOPS to present burrowing owl educational program
for Woodland High students

"Matt Lechmaier of SLEWS (Student and Landowner Education and Watershed Stewardship) invited BOPS to present a burrowing owl educational program on March 15, 2011 for Mr. Del Sol's Woodland High students. Land owners Judy and Tom Scott offered their barn for Catherine Portman's power point presentation. Catherine said, "This is a real treat--having electricity to do a power point. All my other SLEWS presentations in the field were 'show and tell' with props!'

The Scotts allowed the students to install a burrow in their cattle pasture. Catherine selected a site on a canal slope, near fencing. The owls like to use the fence posts for perches and they are attracted to canal slopes. Some ranchers have been concerned about the cows reaction to the human built burrows. The Scotts reported that the cattle have tromped over the burrow, but did not dislodge it....no harm to the burrow and no harm to the cattle. Private grazing land is very good compatible land use for livestock and burrowing owls."