Owl's Hill Nature Sanctuary

What it reported doing in 2024

Conservation & research 1.5 acres of invasive plants cleared by volunteers (278 hours) 67 individuals volunteered 754 hours toward citizen science projects monitoring plant and wildlife populations bird counts: 445 birds recorded representing 53 species. Data is reported to the Tennessee ornithological society (nashville chapter) migration bird banding: 103 birds over 10 sessions banded and recorded. Eighteen (18) species represented in the fall (september mid-november) and 19 species represented in the spring (april early may). Data tracks trends in numbers, species diversity, longevity/recaptures, and the general condition of migrating birds. This activity is a vital tool in understanding the significance of owl's hill as a migratory stop-over site. Data is reported to the usgs banding lab and Tennessee wildlife resource agency. Nest box monitoring: 139 birds fledged from nesting boxes (4% increase from prior year), mostly eastern bluebirds, black-capped chickadees, carolina wrens and tufted titmouse. Data is reported to the cornell lab of ornithology. Butterfly counts: 399 butterflies recorded representing 26 species (54% decrease in individuals and a 44% decrease in species from prior year). Data is reported to the north american butterfly association. Maintained level 1 arboretum certification with the Tennessee urban forestry councilwildlife protectionwe are permitted by the us fish and wildlife agency to care for six (6) non-releasable owls. These educational wildlife ambassadors are on permanent outdoor display for our visitors; currently three work on the glove and are used in school and public programs. Other wildlife ambassadors include a corn snake, a tiger salamander, millipedes, eastern box turtle and a rock dove (fka rock pigeon). We also partner with licensed non-profit wildlife rehabilitators as a release-site for successful rehabilitations. Working with a licensed rehabber, we were a release site for three (3) rehabilitated red foxes. To date, 159 rehabilitated owls, hawks and kestrels have been released at owl's hill as well as numerous mammal species including red fox, grey fox, rabbit, and raccoons.nature mattersresearchers are assembling a growing body of evidence that strongly suggests the importance of nature to children's health and their ability to learn. While the trend in america is clearly tilted toward indoor digital time, there are a vast number of benefits in motivating children (and adults) to be outdoors. These benefits include building confidence, promoting creativity, learning responsibility, exercise, reducing stress and developing a deeper understanding and appreciation for the environment.audiences we reachowl's hill is a special place for visitors of all ages, class, gender, age and ability to explore the great outdoors, learn about our native wildlife and connect with nature. We engage a diverse constituency with year-round school and public programming, scout programs, workshops, lectures, hiking trails, Tennessee naturalist training, outreach programs and volunteer opportunities.

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 18%; rating input score 18
• Program expense ratio: 69.9%; rating input score 70
• Fundraising efficiency: $19.57 raised per $1 spent on fundraising; rating input score 58; 58th percentile among comparable filings

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 93.8%; rating input score 94; 20th percentile among comparable filings
• Pay-setting controls: Limited
• Foreign activity oversight: Limited
• Grant itemization coverage: Limited
• Major donor itemization: Yes; rating input score 100
• Related-party transparency: Limited

Accountability

• Independent voting board: 94.4%; rating input score 94; 25th percentile among comparable filings
• Governance controls: 8 of 8 controls in place; rating input score 100
  • Conflict-of-interest policy: Pass
  • Whistleblower policy: Pass
  • Document-retention policy: Pass
  • CEO compensation review process: Pass
  • Other executive compensation review process: NotApplicable
  • Form 990 shared with the board: Pass
  • Board meeting minutes documented: Pass
  • Audit committee oversight: Pass
  • Independent financial-statement audit: Pass

Sustainability

• Operating margin: 76.8%; rating input score 97; 97th percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 10.98; rating input score 92; 92nd percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0.01; rating input score 86; 86th percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 16%; rating input score 17; 17th percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: 6.5% per year; rating input score 100; 48th percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: 11.5% per year; rating input score 100; 73rd percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: 7.9% per year; rating input score 100; 49th percentile among comparable filings