{"id":18903,"date":"2025-09-10T14:52:47","date_gmt":"2025-09-10T20:52:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.elpasoco.com\/?p=18903"},"modified":"2025-09-10T14:52:47","modified_gmt":"2025-09-10T20:52:47","slug":"great-horned-owlet-to-be-released-at-the-annual-el-paso-county-happy-trails-bbq-fundraiser","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.elpasoco.com\/great-horned-owlet-to-be-released-at-the-annual-el-paso-county-happy-trails-bbq-fundraiser\/","title":{"rendered":"Great Horned Owlet to Be Released at the Annual El Paso County Happy Trails BBQ Fundraiser"},"content":{"rendered":"

September 9, 2025<\/strong> –\u00a0A rehabilitated great horned owlet will be released back into the wild during the 16th annual Happy Trails BBQ Fundraiser at the El Paso County Bear Creek Nature Center on Friday, September 12. The release is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. and will be open to all event attendees.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The owlet was initially found as a nestling near the Bear Creek Regional Park Office earlier this year. The young owl was admitted to the Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center on April 21. Once it was self-feeding, it was placed with a foster great horned owl named Aggie and a group of foster siblings, where it matured successfully. The owlet is now ready to begin its life in the wild.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cThis release is a powerful example of the conservation work that happens in partnership with our community,\u201d said Mary Jo Lewis, El Paso County Bear Creek Nature Center Supervisor. \u201cThe Happy Trails BBQ not only brings people together to support our nature centers but also demonstrates the importance of protecting and preserving nature.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

In addition to the owlet release, the fundraiser will feature live owls from the Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center, allowing attendees to meet and learn about owls throughout the evening. Guests will also enjoy Santa Maria\u2013style tri-tip from Buffalo Gals Catering, desserts from local businesses, a variety of beverages, live music, and an art sale.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The Happy Trails BBQ supports the educational programs and camp scholarships of Bear Creek and Fountain Creek Nature Centers. Together, the two centers provide more than 1,000 affordable programs annually, including field trips, nature camps, and public programs. With support from the nonprofit Friends of El Paso County Nature Centers, scholarships and free resources ensure all community members can engage with and learn about the region\u2019s natural and cultural resources.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The event will take place from 6\u20139 p.m. at Bear Creek Nature Center on Friday, September 12. For ticket information and details, visit www.elpasocountynaturecenters.com.<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

September 9, 2025 –\u00a0A rehabilitated great horned owlet will be released back into the wild during the 16th annual Happy Trails BBQ Fundraiser at the El Paso County Bear Creek Nature Center on Friday, September 12. The release is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. and will be open to all event attendees. 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