The Haliburton Highlands Land Trust is asking the community to go to bat for the bats. The bat population has declined by more than 90 per cent at some hibernation sites, and the land trust wants to determine what is left in the area.
If you see any bats this year, let the Land Trust know. Contact wildlife biologist and principal investigator for the “Bat Project” Paul Heaven at [email protected] or 705-286- 3181.
The Land Trust will also document the number of bats on around 700 acres of land it owns. Four out of eight bat species in Haliburton are listed as endangered, and the Land Trust says they are important to farmers and foresters by eating bugs that could cause damage to crops.
The Land Trust is holding a couple of events this summer to raise awareness about the issue, and is receiving over $100,000 over the next years from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry to make it happen.
On June 7th, there will be a presentation on the creatures at the Minden Cultural Centre. Then, on July 8th there is going to be a bat-box building day at Abbey Gardens. Go to the Haliburton Land Trust website to register.
Check out the Bat Sightings Poster for more information.