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Burrowing Owl Festival set for Saturday

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The Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife will hold its 17th Annual Burrowing Owl Festival this Saturday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Rotary Park Environmental Center.

This year, the fest will feature more than a look at the city’s official bird – “Croc Encounters” of Tampa has been added to the event lineup.

This is the very first time that CCFW will host a crocodilian show. There will be an 7-8 foot alligator, lizards, snakes, amphibians and opportunities for photos with taped alligators.

Cape Coral is home to the largest known population of the Florida burrowing owl, which is a threatened species. These pint sized birds burrow underground where they nest from early February through mid-July.

The family-oriented, fun-filled event celebrates the start of the burrowing owl nesting season and all of Cape Coral’s natural wildlife treasures.

Other festival highlights will include environmental and wildlife organizations with educational exhibits and live animals, bus tours to local burrowing owl burrows, demonstrations on burrowing owl burrow maintenance and starter burrows.

There will be on-site speakers with wildlife presentations and live birds of prey. Enjoy a tour through the live interactive butterfly house and learn about their host and nectar plants.

Artists, photographers and craft vendors of all things natural, native and wild will have items for sale.

Children will enjoy the free arts and crafts activities at the Children’s Creative Corner. Also on site will be music and food vendors so plan to spend the day.

A $5 donation requested over age of 16. Event proceeds will go toward local wildlife protection, preservation and education.

Rotary Park Environmental Center is at 5505 Rose Garden Road.