2008 Full Moon Bat Program

On each full moon, May through August, Arboretum staff and bat expert Brian Keeley will guide you and your family in an exploration of bats.  We will gather at 6:30 p.m. for an introductory slide presentation before venturing out into the garden where we will observe resident bats at dusk. Learn about echolocation, feeding habits and roosting preferences.  A live bat, if available, will be on hand for viewing up close.  Children’s activities include bat-themed crafts and stories.  Pack a brown bag dinner and enjoy a twilight picnic in the Garden.

There is a $5 admission fee for members and $7 for non-members.   No pre-registration is required; however, space is limited to first come, first served.  For more information please call (928) 774-1442, ext. 110.

Full Moon Bat Program Themes:

Bats of Arizona: Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Arizona is home to approximately 28 species of bats.  We will begin by exploring species unique to the United States and then narrow our discussion to bats of Arizona, Coconino County and finally, Flagstaff.  Learn how the extraordinarily diverse habitat across the state makes Arizona “bat wealthy”.  Find out how some bats hibernate while others migrate and how some species eat insects and others drink nectar.  If we are lucky, we will be able to capture a wild bat for a close-up demonstration.

Bat Houses: Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Have you ever wondered if there are bats in your garden?  Would you like to attract bats to live in a bat house?  Do you have a bat house that is not occupied? This presentation offers an introduction to bats and focuses on how to provide them a home.  Learn how to design, build and properly place bat houses to maximize the chances of success.  If we are lucky, we will be able to capture a wild bat for a close look at one of these benevolent creatures. 

Bats and Echolocation: Friday, July 18, 2008

Find out how bats use high frequency sound, called echolocation, to visualize their world in total darkness.  Did you know that people echolocate too?  In fact, we use it all the time.  Although the subject of echolocation can be technical, this introduction will focus on the basics of sound and how bats use it to find food and navigate.  Bat detectors are easy to use and will be available for attendees to listen in on the bats.  If we are lucky we will be able to capture a wild bat for a close-up demonstration.

Bats World Wide: Thursday, August 14, 2008

With nearly 1,000 species, bats represent one quarter of all mammals.  Bats eat insects, fruit, nectar, fish and even blood.  Learn about the critical role bats play in pollination and seed dispersal that sustain deserts and tropical forest ecosystems.  Explore how scientists study bats to develop conservation projects worldwide.  A compelling demonstration reveals how bats save foresters and farmers millions if not billions of dollars annually.  If we are lucky, we will be able to capture a wild bat for a close look at one of these benevolent creatures.

Copyright © 2007 The Arboretum at Flagstaff
Last modified: Monday May 12, 2008