By Kevin Deutsch
A Margate golf course would become a sanctuary for Florida burrowing owls, coupled with a green-energy solar farm to power surrounding residences, under a plan by longtime Margate resident Teresa DeCristofaro.
The owls are a threatened species being harmed by human activities, including the development and ongoing destruction of the birds’ natural habitats. D Cristofaro envisions a safe, protected haven for the animals on the now-closed Margate Executive Golf Course at 7870 Margate Blvd.
The 21-acre course is surrounded by residences catering to thousands of seniors, and its future remains in question.
Various proposals have been floated by the property’s owner, including the sale of the golf course to developers for the construction of townhomes—a vision many Margate residents have opposed, preferring to keep the property green.
DeCristofaro said she learned burrowing owls were living on the golf course, which got her thinking about the site’s potential as a wildlife sanctuary.
She formed a non-profit to achieve her goal and is currently raising money on GoFundMe to apply for grants to fund the property’s purchase.
“It is definitely possible to purchase the golf course and turn it into an owl sanctuary, and also have a solar farm to help the surrounding community,” said DeCristofaro, a longtime Margate resident who, among other positions, previously served on Margate’s planning and zoning board. “ The grant money is definitely out there to purchase that property.”
“I’m hoping other people see the vision and come on board and start working with me on it,” she added. “ t’s going take a lot of work.”
An animal lover, DeCristofaro envisions turning the future owl sanctuary into a conservancy. S e also plans to paint watercolors of the animals to help raise money.
“They are adorable,” she said of the creatures.
The Florida burrowing owl is classified as State Threatened by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. This means that taking, possessing, or selling burrowing owls, their nests, or eggs is prohibited by law without a permit.
The creatures are small, mostly diurnal (active during the daytime), unlike most owls that are nocturnal. However, the owls will migrate and hunt during the nighttime, catching mostly mice instead of insects during the day.
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