Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 22, 2026
Signs by Van Powers Carmel Owls Phase 3 Deployment
CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA, Calif. — Carmel Owls launched its Phase 3 Great Horned Owl platform deployment across the Monterey Peninsula with major support from new sponsor Signs by Van of Prunedale whose team, led by owner and boom operator Jeremy Vanderkraats, completed seven challenging installations using the company’s towering truck boom.
The volunteer conservation effort strengthens owl habitat across the Monterey Peninsula while reducing reliance on dangerous rodenticides that poison wildlife.
But the unexpected stars of Phase 3 may have been the drones.
During deployments, multiple drones clipped oak branches, disappeared into Monterey Pines, and performed what volunteers described as “unplanned arboreal docking maneuvers.” Carmel Owls later noted that its drone fleet continues an ongoing scientific investigation into the magnetic attraction between coastal live oaks, towering Monterey Pines, and magnificent Cypress trees. Remarkably, both crashed drones survived with all footage intact.
Meanwhile, Jeremy calmly operated the massive Signs by Van truck boom through tight tree canopies, steep terrain, electrical hazards, and coastal winds while volunteers coordinated traffic safety, branch clearing, and installations high above the ground.
“Jeremy was an absolute hero,” said Paul Falworth, founder and Chief Owl Officer of Carmel Owls. “Signs by Van stepped up in a huge way for wildlife conservation. Their truck boom allowed us to complete installations that otherwise would have been extremely difficult.”
Carmel Owls platforms are built from redwood with cedar shingles, raised safety edges for owlets, and weather-resistant construction designed to withstand decades of coastal conditions. Great Horned Owls with owlets can consume up to seven rodents per night for at least two months, helping naturally reduce rodent populations without hazardous rodenticides.
Carmel Owls thanks Signs by Van, Jeremy, volunteers, homeowners, sponsors, and community supporters for helping accelerate the Phase 3 deployment effort.
A video documenting the installation operations, along with a collection of photographs from the day’s activities, is available on the CarmelOwls.org website.
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. Carmel Owls is partnered with Camel Cares to accept 501c3 donations.
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. Carmel Owls is partnered with Camel Cares to accept 501c3 donations.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 22, 2026
Signs by Van Powers Carmel Owls Phase 3 Deployment
CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA, Calif. — Carmel Owls launched its Phase 3 Great Horned Owl platform deployment across the Monterey Peninsula with major support from new sponsor Signs by Van of Prunedale, whose team, led by owner and boom operator Jeremy Vanderkraats, completed seven challenging installations using the company’s towering truck boom.
The volunteer conservation effort strengthens owl habitat across the Monterey Peninsula while reducing reliance on dangerous rodenticides that poison wildlife.
But the unexpected stars of Phase 3 may have been the drones.
During deployments, multiple drones clipped oak branches, disappeared into Monterey Pines, and performed what volunteers described as “unplanned arboreal docking maneuvers.” Carmel Owls later noted that its drone fleet continues an ongoing scientific investigation into the magnetic attraction between coastal live oaks, towering Monterey Pines, and magnificent Cypress trees. Remarkably, both crashed drones survived with all footage intact.
Meanwhile, Jeremy calmly operated the massive Signs by Van truck boom through tight tree canopies, steep terrain, electrical hazards, and coastal winds while volunteers coordinated traffic safety, branch clearing, and installations high above the ground.
“Jeremy was an absolute hero,” said Paul Falworth, founder and Chief Owl Officer of Carmel Owls. “Signs by Van stepped up in a huge way for wildlife conservation. Their truck boom allowed us to complete installations that otherwise would have been extremely difficult.”
Carmel Owls platforms are built from redwood with cedar shingles, raised safety edges for owlets, and weather-resistant construction designed to withstand decades of coastal conditions. Great Horned Owls with owlets can consume up to seven rodents per night for at least two months, helping naturally reduce rodent populations without hazardous rodenticides.
Carmel Owls thanks Signs by Van, Jeremy, volunteers, homeowners, sponsors, and community supporters for helping accelerate the Phase 3 deployment effort.
A video documenting the installation operations, along with a collection of photographs from the day’s activities, is available on the CarmelOwls.org website.