Resident proposes 'adopt-an-owl' pilot to reduce rodenticide use in Flower Mound

Corina Vanley of 3400 Camden Drive told the Flower Mound Parks and Recreation Board on March 5 that a community pilot to install and maintain owl houses could reduce rodenticide use and support local biodiversity.

"The most important thing for an owl house is the maintenance and the control," Vanley said during public comment, describing a subcommittee effort through a local Bridal Services board and citing an earlier neighborhood presentation by resident David McCarthy on building owl boxes. Vanley suggested an "adopt-an-owl" program that would allow neighbors to sponsor owl boxes on private property or along trails, paired with outreach materials showing how to build and maintain boxes to limit unintended insect or rodent cohabitation.

Vanley proposed low-cost construction via local sponsors and volunteers, and offered to share a model and handouts with town staff. She emphasized that participation would be limited to willing property owners and that maintenance would be semiannual: "Providing information how to build and play in the placement of those adopt an owl sign would be in connection with the other boards. Or perhaps with the parks, if it's by a trail in the parks," she said.

Board members thanked Vanley for the suggestion. Staff did not take immediate action but noted opportunities to coordinate outreach and to consult wildlife and animal-control guidance on pesticide reduction and nest-site management before any pilot is authorized.