Southern Indiana landowners sought to host barn owl nest boxes

Landowners in Dubois, Pike, Warrick, Jackson, Perry, and surrounding counties with grassland, pasture, or hayfields and a barn or similar outbuilding are being sought for a new effort to expand nesting opportunities for barn owls. Indiana Audubon, in partnership with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR), is launching the Indiana Barn Owl Initiative to work directly with property owners whose land may support these breeding owls.

Barn owls are state-endangered in Indiana and now nest in limited areas where both habitat and nesting space are available. The species has declined as older barns have been removed or closed off and grassland habitat has decreased. Recent Indiana DNR survey work has shown progress, with nests documented in 16 counties in 2022, but breeding remains concentrated and dependent on the availability of nesting sites.

The initiative is focused on working lands that already provide the right conditions. Properties with at least 100 acres of open habitat support the small mammals barn owls depend on for food. When those landscapes are paired with a barn or similar building that has height, interior space, and limited daily disturbance, they can support nesting again.

Selected landowners will receive a pre-built barn owl nest box, with installation coordinated by Indiana Audubon and DNR staff as early as this fall. Participation includes maintaining the site over time and allowing periodic monitoring to document use and nesting success, which will help guide future conservation efforts for barn owls in Indiana.

Landowners are encouraged to attend a virtual information session before applying. The session will be held Wednesday, April 8, 2026, from 6 to 7 p.m. Eastern, and will cover site requirements, the selection process, and what participation involves.

Registration is free and required to receive the Zoom link. To register for the information session, visit indianabarnowlinitiative.eventbrite.com.

Additional details about the initiative is available at indianaaudubon.org/Indiana-barn-owl-initiative. For questions, contact Bird Programs and Partnerships Manager Sam Urquidez at surquidez@indianaaudubon.org.

The initiative’s logo was designed by Jacob Lockard of Smiling Snake Shirt Company, a nature-inspired artist known for his hand-drawn and hand-screen-printed work.