Cape holding burrowing owl festival

Celebrate the official city bird and Cape Coral's natural resource treasures at the Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife seventh annual Owl Festival Saturday, Feb. 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cape Coral claims Florida's largest population of the burrowing owl, a species of special concern. This festival is designed to educate people about the owl and to involve them in its preservation. Sponsored by the Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife: a not-for-profit, volunteer organization dedicated to preserving and protecting wildlife, especially the burrowing owl.

Events will include a children's corner, native plants sales, live animals,

educational speakers, nature walks, burrowing owl tours and exhibitors' displays.

Demonstrations on installing starter

burrows, perch making (or free perches) and burrow maintenance and a crowd favorite: a butterfly tent with live butterflies, burrowing owl tours and exhibitors' displays.

The event will be held at Rotary Park Environmental Center, 5505 Rose Garden Rd., Cape Coral. The event is free for children under 12, a $3 donation is requested of adults.

For more information, call the Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife at 980-2593 or Rotary Park 549-4606 or e-mail contact@ccfriendsofwildlife. org