Bat Night Returns to Wehr Nature Center

FRANKLIN -- Bat Night is returning to Wehr Nature Center, Friday, Aug. 26, from 8-10 p.m. The Nature Center is located in Whitnall Park, at 9701 W. College Ave.

Designed for adults, the program explores the fears and misconceptions surrounding bats, identification of common neighborhood bats, the value of bats in controlling insect populations and as pollinators, and the use of technology to learn more about them.

Wehr naturalist Howard Aprill will lead the interactive program that includes information on the race to save North American bats from potential extinction from white-nose syndrome.

Earlier this year, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources reported that the disease has spread to new bat hibernating sites in Wisconsin and is starting to decimate bat populations here.

After the indoor introduction, participants will join Aprill in using the latest technology to search for the five species of bats in Whitnall Park. Aprill will demonstrate the specialized detectors that combine a system for recording bat calls and a global positioning system (GPS). The recordings show different sound-wave patterns for different species of bats, and the GPS pinpoints a bat’s location. Through the

technology, participants will “hear” the ultrasonic echolocations produced by bats. Participants will also learn how they can protect bats by getting involved in citizen-science monitoring.

Admission for Milwaukee County Residents is $7 per person; Non-Milwaukee County Residents, $10 per person; and Members of Friends of Wehr, $5 per person. Parking is $3 per car.

Registration is required by Thursday, Aug. 25.