Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 26th, 2026
CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA, CA – Carmel Owls Volunteers Build 14 Great Horned Owl Platforms to Expand Natural Rodent Control Across the Monterey Peninsula
Carmel Owls today announced that 16 local volunteers built 14 new Great Horned Owl nesting platforms in a single day—an effort that will directly expand natural rodent control across Carmel, Carmel Valley, Carmel Highlands, Carmel Knolls, Pebble Beach, Pacific Grove, and Monterey.
The build, held as part of the organization’s “Build an Owl Platform Day,” produced field-ready platforms that will be installed beginning in May through September as part of Carmel Owls’ 2026 expansion plan.
Great Horned Owls are among the region’s most effective natural predators, with a single owl family with owlets capable of predating up to seven rodents nightly. By increasing nesting opportunities, Carmel Owls aims to provide a sustainable alternative to chemical rodenticides, which can harm wildlife and disrupt local ecosystems.
Build Day Highlights
16 Volunteer Builders: Local residents contributed time, tools, and craftsmanship to complete a full-scale production effort.
14 Platforms Completed: Each platform was built from scratch using Carmel Owls’ proven design for durability and owl habitat suitability.
Locally Sourced Materials: Volunteers transformed redwood planks and cedar shingles into long-lasting nesting structures.
Targeted Local Deployment: Platforms will be installed across Carmel Valley, Carmel Highlands, Carmel Knolls, Pebble Beach, Pacific Grove, and Monterey.
“Seeing 16 volunteers come together to produce 14 platforms in a single day shows what’s possible when the community rallies around a practical solution,” said Paul Falworth, Chief Owl Officer and volunteer coordinator of Carmel Owls. “These platforms will be deployed in May to support Great Horned Owl habitat across the Monterey Peninsula—expanding natural rodent predation while encouraging residents to move away from rodenticides and their harmful side effects.”
The build effort supports Carmel Owls’ 2026 goal of installing 31 platforms across the Peninsula, increasing nesting density, and strengthening a nature-based approach to rodent management in residential neighborhoods.
With installations beginning next month, residents may notice increased owl activity during the January/February 2027 nesting season in areas where platforms are placed—an early sign of a growing, healthier predator-prey balance in the local environment.
Residents interested in hosting a free platform, supporting owl habitat, or volunteering for future build days can learn more at CarmelOwls.org.
Media Contact: carmelowls.org/contact
Website: carmelowls.org
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Royalty Free Photos: All photos on the Carmel Owls website may be used without permission. Please give credit to those photos with the photographer's signatures.
About Carmel Owls
Carmel Owls is a volunteer conservation organization based in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, dedicated to protecting and supporting local Great Horned Owls (Bubo virginianus). through their free Adopt an Owl Platform initiative, nesting platform deployment, education, and community outreach across the Monterey Peninsula.
