Join us for an evening all about bats! Through this event you will learn about the benefit this group of animals provide to our environment, the pressures they are facing and the conservation efforts protecting them from harm.
Photo by Jason Headley
Bats are an important species in healthy ecosystems. They prey on insects like dreaded mosquitoes and other pests that can potentially transmit disease. Unfortunately Canadian bat species are under significant stress because of habitat loss (especially in urban areas) and disease like White-nose syndrome. Sadly, the fungus that causes White-nose syndrome has been detected in Alberta for the first time this year, which means bats need our help even more. Large urban parks like Larch Sanctuary can provide a haven for our bat friends in the city, with a well-suited habitat of riparian areas, open meadow, forest, and locally made bat boxes.
This event will be split in to two portions. The first part will be from 6:00 to 8:00 PM and will be open to the public by drop-in. Several booths will be set up near a bat box at Larch Sanctuary, featuring experts from the Alberta Community Bat Program and more! For this portion of the event, join us anytime beside the Smith Crossing pedestrian bridge.
Photo by Jason Headley
The second portion will be from 8:30 to 11:00 PM and will require participants to register at the sign up link below. We will conduct a bat box exit survey and other nighttime activities under a blue moon. Please wear light coloured or reflective clothing if attending this portion of the evening.
Email Meghan Jacklin at meghan.jacklin@ealt.ca for more information
Sign up for the registered portion of this event is now closed.