VINS releases Great Horned Owl on August 25, 2005 at Smugglers' Notch Resort, Vermont

WOODSTOCK, VT - Smugglers' Notch Resort in Jeffersonville, Vermont, is committed to being a responsible steward of Vermont's natural resources. On Thursday, August 25, 2005, the resort's management and employees will demonstrate this commitment by sponsoring the release of a Great Horned Owl, rehabilitated by the Avian Rehabilitation Department of the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS).

The owl release will take place at 6:30 pm where the forest meets a ski trail near the resort's center. It is timed to occur after an outdoor event so visiting families already present can easily witness the owl's flight to freedom. The public is also invited to attend.

"We can't wait to share this exciting event with the kids and parents on vacation with us," said Managing Director Bill Stritzler. "Most people never get to see a wild bird release in their lifetime, so these folks are very lucky." A VINS representative will speak about the owl's history and living habits and allow families to take a close look at the creature before it is set free.

The owl was brought to VINS on June 21st, 2005, after being found in a pig stall in a barn in Benson, VT (west of Rutland) the previous day. In addition to being very thin and having parasites, X-rays revealed that the bird had a broken left ulna, one of the wing bones. After putting on weight, and ensuring that the wing had healed properly, the owl was moved to outside enclosures at VINS to begin exercising and strengthening the wing. Because the owl is now flying and hunting normally, it is ready to be released back to the wild.

"This owl is just beautiful," declared Alison Stark, a VINS representative who will release the bird. "She has huge yellow eyes and a wing span of 42 inches. She's nearly two feet tall but weighs only three or so pounds because her bones are hollow to make her light." The VINS Avian Rehabilitation Department receives over 300 injured, ill and orphaned wild birds each year.

Smugglers' Notch Resort is a corporate member of VINS and has a unique attachment to VINS - the resort has adopted one falcon and nearly 20 kestrel raptors through the VINS Adopt a Raptor program. Certificates of adoption and pictures of these birds are displayed in the lobbies and living rooms of the newest condominium buildings at the resort, which are named after the birds.

Founded in 1972, the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) is a non-profit 501(c)3, member-supported organization headquartered in Woodstock, Vermont, with locations in Montpelier, Manchester, and Quechee. Its mission is to protect our natural heritage through education and research designed to engage individuals in the active care of their environment. VINS accomplishes its mission through a 4-pronged approach: by providing comprehensive education programs, wildlife rehabilitation services, leading conservation science, and by managing a network of nature centers throughout the state.

The VINS Avian Rehabilitation Department receives no state or federal funding, and relies heavily on donations from caring individuals to continue its important work . If you find an injured or orphaned bird, or would like to donate to this cause, please contact VINS at (802) 457-2779 x125. For more information, visit www.vinsweb.org or call (802) 457-2779.

Smugglers' Notch Resort is renown for its summer and winter award-winning programs for families and its environmental initiatives. Awards won include the Ski Magazine Silver Eagle Award (2003) for Excellence in Water Conservation, the Vermont Energy Star Homes "Best of the Best" Award (2002) for multi-family homes, and The Vermont Business Environmental Partnership Award (2001) for sound environmental practices. More information can be found at www.smuggs.com.