The community is invited to get up close and personal with the creatures of the night during a special “Backyard Bat” event at the Troy University Arboretum on Friday, April 24.
Supported by a Wiregrass Resource Conservation and Development grant awarded to Troy University student Ethan Jones, the event will feature an educational lecture from Dr. Matt Grilliot of Auburn University at Montgomery followed by a live demonstration using mist nets to safely capture and observe local bats up close before releasing them back into their natural habitat.
Jones said the event represents the culmination of a multi-year effort made possible through the grant funding aimed at enhancing local environmental education.
“It’s been really amazing seeing everything come from this grant that we received from Wiregrass RC&D,” he said. “It’s been a long process since we applied for the grant two years ago. When I finally got the bat houses installed last year, I didn’t think about ever having an event that was inspired by them, but I am so excited to have people come out and learn more about these awesome animals. I feel very proud to have the bat houses that I built be one of the main focuses of a learning opportunity for the community here in Troy.
“I hope that there is a good turnout for this so that we can show Wiregrass RC&D just how much the City of Troy and Pike County overall appreciate their efforts to help educate and improve our communities.”
Bats play a vital role in Alabama’s ecosystems—hosting about 16 different species of bats from forests to urban landscapes—helping to control insect populations and support environmental balance. According to Arboretum Director and Biology Professor Dr. Alvin Diamond, the event offers an opportunity to dispel common misconceptions.
“Bats are the only mammals that can actually fly,” he said. “They are a fascinating, but sadly often feared, wildlife that we have right here in our own backyards. Every night they take wing to consume thousands of flying insects, including agricultural pests and mosquitoes, providing a natural form of pest control that benefits both farmers and the public. While bats can carry rabies, transmission to people is extremely rare and can be avoided by not handling bats and reporting any injured or sick bats you may encounter.
“When people take the time to learn about bats, they usually find they’re not something to fear, but something to appreciate. Protecting bats means supporting a healthier, more balanced ecosystem right here in Troy.”
The event begins at 6:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public.
