Come celebrate and learn about the unique role that bats play both in Minnesota and world-wide during International Bat Week at Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge's Visitor Center!
Who:
Fun activities for all ages!
Cost:
Free!
Ongoing Activities:
- Visit Eugene, the big brown bat!
- Bat House Info. and giveaway
- To the bat cave! Explore a replica "bat cave"
- Become a Jr. Bat Scientist
- Bat Trivia: Test your bat smarts and win a prize!
- Get crafty with batty crafts
- Gardening for bats-- and native seed giveaway!
Presentations and Scheduled Activities:
- 11:00-11:30 PM
- Minnesota Bat Basics and News! Learn about the eight bat species found in Minnesota, how these bats help us and we can help them, along with the latest and greatest that researchers are learning about our local bats. Speaker: Melissa Boman, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
- 12:00-12:30 PM
- Ever wonder what to do if you find an injured bat? Hear what to do if you find an injured bat and how injured bats are cared for by wildlife rehabilitators. Speaker: Brittany Turner, Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota
- 12:45-1:00 PM
- Costume Parade and Contest! (see info.-->)
- 1:30-2:00 PM
- Facts vs. Fiction on Bats and Rabies: Learn about the basics of what rabies is, what is considered an exposure, and what to do if you’ve had an exposure. Speaker: Carrie Klumb, Minnesota Department of Health
- 2:30-3:00 PM
- Time to get techy! Hear how the Minnesota Zoo and bat researchers plan to learn about bat species migration using MOTUS towers and technology. Speaker: Mary Mallinger, Minnesota Zoo
Food:
Food trucks will be available, including:
Parking:
Event goers can park anywhere in the visitor center parking lot. Overflow parking will be at the Hilton Hotel parking lot across the street (look for a sign that says "Overflow Parking"). Parking lot monitors will be present to provide direction.
Public Transportation:
Metro Transit- Blue Line Train
- Exit at American Blvd Station and cross 34th Avenue to the east.
- Proceed east on American Blvd East and follow the sidewalk 1/4 mile around the bend and up a small rise to find the entrance on the right.
Social Media:
Find out more and confirm interest through the refuge and partner's social media pages!
Accommodations:
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is committed to providing access to this event for all participants. Please direct all requests for sign language interpreting services, close captioning, or other accommodation needs to Jill Utrup at jill_utrup@fws.gov, at least ten business days before the event.
