Owls Hill Nature Sanctuary Inc

Public programs: (total visitation: 10,575) 5,718 people of all ages took part in educator-led programs 2,959 visitors hiked and explored owl's hill on their own 1,761 children (outside of school) engaged in outdoor learning such as our knee-high naturalists, jr. Naturalist workshops, scout programs, camp programs, and more. 354 volunteers gave unselfishly to property projects and programs, totaling 3,880 hours of service ($95,802 value) 30 adults completed the 10-month tennessee naturalist program maintained 4.5 miles of hiking trails

School programs owl's hill educators ignited curiosity in the environment for 2,711 middle tennessee schoolchildren and teachers from six districts in six counties, through nature-based school programming hosted on- and off-site. For the fifth year, owl's hill was selected as a metro nashville public schools steam partner; reaching 1,193 4th grade students and 63 teachers at 21 schools with on-site fieldtrip programming.

Conservation & research 1.5 acres of invasive plants cleared by volunteers (278 hours) 67 individuals volunteered 754 hours toward citizen science projects monitoring plant and wildlife populations bird counts: 445 birds recorded representing 53 species. Data is reported to the tennessee ornithological society (nashville chapter) migration bird banding: 103 birds over 10 sessions banded and recorded. Eighteen (18) species represented in the fall (september mid-november) and 19 species represented in the spring (april early may). Data tracks trends in numbers, species diversity, longevity/recaptures, and the general condition of migrating birds. This activity is a vital tool in understanding the significance of owl's hill as a migratory stop-over site. Data is reported to the usgs banding lab and tennessee wildlife resource agency. Nest box monitoring: 139 birds fledged from nesting boxes (4% increase from prior year), mostly eastern bluebirds, black-capped chickadees, carolina wrens and tufted titmouse. Data is reported to the cornell lab of ornithology. Butterfly counts: 399 butterflies recorded representing 26 species (54% decrease in individuals and a 44% decrease in species from prior year). Data is reported to the north american butterfly association. Maintained level 1 arboretum certification with the tennessee urban forestry councilwildlife protectionwe are permitted by the us fish and wildlife agency to care for six (6) non-releasable owls. These educational wildlife ambassadors are on permanent outdoor display for our visitors; currently three work on the glove and are used in school and public programs. Other wildlife ambassadors include a corn snake, a tiger salamander, millipedes, eastern box turtle and a rock dove (fka rock pigeon). We also partner with licensed non-profit wildlife rehabilitators as a release-site for successful rehabilitations. Working with a licensed rehabber, we were a release site for three (3) rehabilitated red foxes. To date, 159 rehabilitated owls, hawks and kestrels have been released at owl's hill as well as numerous mammal species including red fox, grey fox, rabbit, and raccoons.nature mattersresearchers are assembling a growing body of evidence that strongly suggests the importance of nature to children's health and their ability to learn. While the trend in america is clearly tilted toward indoor digital time, there are a vast number of benefits in motivating children (and adults) to be outdoors. These benefits include building confidence, promoting creativity, learning responsibility, exercise, reducing stress and developing a deeper understanding and appreciation for the environment.audiences we reachowl's hill is a special place for visitors of all ages, class, gender, age and ability to explore the great outdoors, learn about our native wildlife and connect with nature. We engage a diverse constituency with year-round school and public programming, scout programs, workshops, lectures, hiking trails, tennessee naturalist training, outreach programs and volunteer opportunities.