British Columbia Conservation Foundation: Northern Spotted Owl Breeding Program

The northern spotted owl is one of Canada's most endangered species, with an estimation of fewer than six wild individuals remaining in British Columbia. Threats to the survival of the species includes the loss and fragmentation of old growth forests that spotted owls live in, and competition from the non-native barred owl.

In 2007, Northern Spotted Owl Breeding Program (NSOBP) is part of the non-profit British Columbia Conservation Foundation and was founded to prevent the extirpation of this iconic species in BC. The NSOBP is the only program in the world breeding this species and has made significant contribution to the scientific knowledge through its use of artificial incubation and hand-rearing of chicks. As of January 2025, there are over 30 northern spotted owls the breeding centre. The NSOBP is located in the Langley region and acknowledges the unceded traditional and ancestral lands of Kwantlen First Nation.

The mission of the NSOBP is to restore the population of northern spotted owls across their range in British Columbia through conservation breeding and release into protected habitat that has been designated by the Province of BC. There is currently over 300,000 hectares of habitat protected to recover the species.

With a only small team of full-time staff, volunteers play an important role at the NSOBP as volunteers are able to help with daily tasks and allow staff to work on additional projects. Please note that interaction with the owls are limited in all positions are we work to decrease the owls' habituation to humans.