Bat Basics Night Hike

Bats rank at the expert level for scary creatures of the night for many people. But unlike zombies, bats play a vital role throughout Maryland. Let’s meet up for a walk at dusk to discover how bats contribute to our ecosystems, learn about their superpowers, look for clues to identify a few local species, and enjoy their aerial acrobatics on this trip with naturalist Sarah Witcher.

We will probably see big brown bats, with hoary and Eastern red bats also common. With our echolocation detectors, we could see or hear any of the 10 species found in Maryland, although the Myotis species are rare and unlikely.Our leader, Sarah Witcher, works for the Department of Natural Resources as an education biologist. Sarah serves as the state coordinator for Project WILD, a committee member for the Envirothon high school competition program, and the leader of the Wild Acres backyard habitat program. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in biology and psychology from Loyola University, Maryland, and a Master’s in Environmental Science and Policy from Johns Hopkins University. She spends her free time with her family of humans and animals, eating delicious food and exploring new places.

• Our meeting location will be included in your registration confirmation email once payment is completed.
• Watch for additional details in a welcome email sent a few days before the date.
• All participants must be pre-registered. If you are on the waitlist and show up to the event without an invitation, you will not be allowed to participate.
• High school-aged children are welcome to attend and must be registered as a guest of their adult.
• No more than two children per adult.
• Dress according to the weather.
• Bring a heavy-duty flashlight with new batteries or fully charged.
• Wear sturdy closed-toe hiking or athletic shoes with non-slip soles that can safely handle slippery surfaces.
• Bring water.
• Bring a first aid kit for your personal use.
• No pets, please.

All events are held rain or shine. If severe weather cancels an event, you will receive an email or text. If you do not receive a weather-related email, the trip will proceed as planned.

Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at registration. Cancellations made 14 or more days before the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within 14 days of the event will not receive a refund. Events and field trips with fees of $25 or less are non-refundable at any time unless NHSM cancels them. NHSM retains the right to update or change these requirements at any time.

NHSM Membership has its perks. Starting now, members on any program waitlist will move to the front of the line if an opening occurs. Get a membership, get priority. Click here: https://www.marylandnature.org/get-involved/membership/

For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.