Episode 301: Burrowing Owls

In this episode of Welcome to Florida, host Chad Charland transitions from podcasting to political activism, announcing his run for Florida State House District 15 as a non-party affiliated candidate focused on equity and environmental protection. He shares his motivation for running—seeing a lack of opposition in his district—and promotes two upcoming in-person events in St. Pete and Winter Park featuring himself, Craig Pittman, Jason Garcia, and Kathy Celestri, aimed at engaging listeners and discussing media, journalism, and Florida’s stalled state budget. The episode then shifts to a deep dive on the Florida burrowing owl, a unique, ground-dwelling raptor that lives in underground burrows and serves as a natural pest controller. Guests Kelly Heffernan and Brian Mealy from Project Perch explain the owl’s ecological importance, the threats it faces—including habitat loss, car collisions, and development—and how their organization uses artificial burrows to protect and stabilize populations. They highlight success stories at FAU, airports, and community spaces, and discuss the cultural impact of the movie 'Hoot,' which was inspired by their work. The episode closes with Charland reflecting on his own encounter with burrowing owls in his St. Pete neighborhood, underscoring the connection between conservation and everyday life.