Croydon Creek Nature Center is Rockville’s only center dedicated to helping thousands of children and adults each year learn about their natural world. To enhance that experience, in June 2002 CCNC celebrated its first full-time feathered resident: Cosmo the Eastern Screech Owl.

The Welcoming event also honored members of “Students Engaging the World,” a club from The Frost School in Aspen Hill  which serves students with emotional disabilities.  They donated numerous volunteer hours to the center and $500 for the purchase of the Croydon Creek’s new owl aviary.

Cosmo is now about six inches tall and weighs no more than a candy bar.  Before coming to Croydon Creek Nature Center, he was hit by a car and rehabilitated at the Second Chance Wildlife Center, Montgomery County’s only nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation center.  He is healthy, but unable to hunt on his own.

Pictured left are students from the Frost School with Valerie Oliver, then Supervisor of the Nature Center, and of course the guest of honor—Cosmo.  Frost school students pictured are Chris Cambell and Amy Callaghan. Volunteers from the Frost School generously presented the center with a check which they were awarded by the Marriott Corporation for various volunteer projects in the area.

“We are delighted the students have chosen the Nature Center for this generous gift,” said Valerie Oliver. “It will not only provide an important home for Cosmo, but also helps thousands of other children learn more about the world around them.”

Councilmember Bob Dorsey told the students that their effort shows “It’s a good idea to learn the importance of sharing.  Thank you for sharing this gift with the Nature Center and with the entire City.”