Biological Sciences to host 23rd Annual Bat-O-Rama June 8-9 at Devil's Den State Park
Arkansas State University’s Department of Biological Science and the Devil’s Den State Park near Fayetteville will host the 23rd annual “Bat-O-Rama” Friday and Saturday, June 8-9, at Devil's Den.
This two-day family-friendly event will provide both education and entertainment for all ages. It includes a crevice exploration hike, two softball games (equipment provided), a children’s “Batty” reading and craft hour, a Build-a-Bat-House Workshop, opportunities to learn about bats and how to identify them, and two chances to go “Bat-Netting” with trained professionals from Arkansas State University.
“The range of species within the state is a testament to the diverse and important habitat that we as stewards need to preserve for all wildlife,” said Dr. Tom Risch, chair of the Department of Biological Sciences at ASU and the bat specialist in charge of the “Bat-Netting event.
Bats fill a very important role in the environment as they assist in food production, consume thousands of insects per night, and assist in pest management for crop production – saving over three billion dollars a year. They help keep potential insect population booms in check including those that spread disease.
Bats in Arkansas are very diverse, with up to 16 species in the state at some point during the year. From the Ozark Highlands to the Gulf Coastal Plain, bats offer an exciting opportunity for research. One researcher from ASU, Tracy Klotz, has observed the large amount of diversity that occurs here in Arkansas.
“For years, I have netted and tracked bats from the top of the state to the bottom, and am continually surprised how perfectly bats are adapted to perform in their environment,” said Klotz.
For more information, contact Dr. John Pratte, interim dean of the College of Sciences and Mathematics, or Dr. Risch at 870-972-3082. Here is the “Bat-O-Rama” schedule for this weekend:
Friday, June 8
- 1-3 pm: CREVICE EXPLORATION HIKE. Meet at visitor center flagpole.
- 4-5 pm: DEVIL’S DEN SOFTBALL. Meet at the ball field in Camp Area E.
- 8:30 pm: LISTEN TO THE BATS. Lakeside at the swimming pool.
- 9:30 pm: MIST NETTING FOR BATS. Meet at the Ridge Runner Café Pavilion. Handling bats requires special training and permits, so please be respectful of the professionals and do not tamper with the equipment or try to handle a bat.
Saturday, June 9
- 10-11 am: BATTY STORY TIME AND CRAFT. Meet in the Visitor Center Audio/Visual Room.
- 2-3 pm: BUILD-A-BAT-HOUSE WORKSHOP. Create a take-home bat house ($50 fee). Spots are limited, so you must contact the park to sign up (479-761-3325 or devilsden@arkansas.gov). Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
- 4-5 pm: DEVIL’S DEN SOFTBALL. Meet at the ball field in Camp Area E.
- 8:30 – 9:30 pm. THREATS TO BATS. Meet at the amphitheater.
- 10 pm: MIST NETTING FOR BATS. Meet at the Ridge Runner Café Pavilion. Handling bats requires special training and permits, so please be respectful of the professionals and do not tamper with the equipment or try to handle a bat.
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