After a three-year run as executive manger of the South Okanagan Rehabilitation Centre for Owls (SORCO), Lauren Meads is taking flight, but not too far.
Longtime centre volunteer Dale Belvedere took over the managerial duties March 1 at the raptor recovery facility located between Penticton and Oliver not far from Vaseux Lake.
“It’s been a lot over the last three years, and I think it’s just time to get back to my original job working with the burrowing owls,” said Meads who combined her roles of managing the centre and working with the endangered species of owl. “I feel like I’ve done a lot at SORCO and I feel like it’s in a really good place right now, we built the new (medical) clinic, got the place cleaned up and we’ve got a good volunteer program. I feel like it’s running really well now so it will be easier for the next person and that was always my goal.
“There are a lot of things happening with the burrowing owls this year I really want to focus on. And with SORCO it’s hard because everyday there is a new bird coming in. I just need to spend some more time with the burrowing owl.”
Meads added she will still be available to help at the centre when and if needed and very much enjoyed her time there, including the first year as a volunteer.
“I met some really great people and got to work with some really great birds,” she said. “I had a really great time and I know Dale Belvedere will do a really great job and I’m still here.
“We have some really new volunteers who have come on board so that will be good. It shows there is a lot dedication and support for SORCO.
“If it wasn’t there, there wouldn’t be that place in the community to help these birds.”
Chairman Dave Whitton of the SORCO board of directors had nothing but good things to say about his former executive manager.
“Lauren has done so much to make our raptor rehab centre a first class operation,” said Whitton. “We are indebted to her for what she has done to advance our cause. The skills, knowledge and respect she has for birds and wildlife in general will ensure her continued success in her field of endeavour.”
Whitton added Belvedere has a strong medical and management background and has completed a number of wildlife rehabilitation courses as well.
“I am confident we can continue to grow and develop as a nonprofit organization in the Okanagan Valley,” he said. “Each year, we rehabilitate more injured birds of prey for release back to the wild. At the same time, we are increasing public awareness of the important role raptors play in maintaining a healthy ecosystem.”