06/02/2026
This owl depends on a disappearing kind of habitat đŠ
Burrowing owls (Athene cunicularia) are the only owl species that nests underground. Instead of digging their own burrows, they rely on existing underground shelters, often created by California ground squirrels, and open landscapes with low-growing vegetation that allows them to watch for predators and hunt prey. Across Southern California, that kind of habitat is becoming increasingly difficult to find, as open landscapes are converted for residential and commercial development, agriculture, and other uses.
This 6 acre site in Chino offered an opportunity to rebuild habitat for the species. When IERCD acquired it in 2016, invasive plants dominated much of the property, leaving little suitable habitat for burrowing animals and other creatures. So we rebuilt the landscape from the ground up! Through a collaborative effort between IERCD, , and other partners, restoration crews removed invasive vegetation, planted low-lying native scrub species, and installed artificial burrows to provide shelter and nesting opportunities.
Recovery takes time. But slowly, the landscape began to change. Today, the site is nearing full establishment as functional burrowing owl habitat, with long-term stewardship and monitoring planned to help ensure it continues supporting the species into the future.
Conservation means making room for species that are running out of places to go. California's 30x30 goal can help protect, restore, and reconnect habitat for wildlife like the burrowing owl.
