Boston Flora

Tag: White Nose Syndrome

  • Wednesday, April 10, 7:00 pm – Celebrate National Bat Appreciation Day

    To celebrate National Bat Appreciation Day (April 17th), MassWildlife’s Bat Conservation Program Coordinator, Jennifer Longsdorf, will share her knowledge and experience regarding the most underappreciated and misunderstood mammal on Earth. During her seven years with MassWildlife’s Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, Jennifer has been involved with a variety of conservation and restoration projects aiding red-bellied cooters, bald eagles, peregrine falcons, coastal waterbirds, salamanders, and, more recently, bats. Bats are fascinating and unique creatures that play a critical role in many environments around the world. However, dramatic population declines have put bats in the spotlight recently. Come to discover how human activity and White-nose Syndrome have decimated bat populations. Learn the general facts and help dispel common myths and fears about these shy, gentle, and intelligent creatures. Join us for some tips on how to help conserve and protect these ecosystem superheroes. The April 10 program of the Athol Bird and Nature Club will begin at 7 pm at The Millers River Environmental Center, 100 Main Street, Athol. The program is free and open to the public. For more information visit http://atholbirdclub.org.

    Image result for bats in massachusetts

  • Monday, May 23, 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm – Will the Bats Come Back? Confronting White-Nose Syndrome

    Have you noticed the decline in bat populations? White-nose syndrome (WNS) has killed more than 5.7 million bats in eastern North America. Named for the white fungus found growing on the muzzle, wings, and exposed skin of hibernating bats, WNS is associated with extensive mortality of bats in eastern North America.

    First documented in New York in the winter of 2006-2007, WNS has spread rapidly across the eastern United States and Canada. At some hibernation sites, 90 to 100 percent of bats have died.

    On Monday, May 23, beginning at 7 pm in the Hunnewell Building of the Arnold Arboretum, 125 Arborway in Jamaica Plain, Christina Kocer of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will speak about this fungal disease, where it may have come from, the dynamics of infection and transmission, and the search for a way to control it. She will also speak of ways to support bat populations in your neighborhood. $5 for Arboretum members, $10 for nonmembers. For more information call 617-384-5277, or email adulted@arnarb.harvard.edu.

  • Sunday, January 18, 12:30 pm – 5:00 pm – Hubbardston/Ware River Nature Club Annual Meeting

    Learning about the status of our local bat populations and bidding on unique items such as a Newburyport Harbor boat trip, nature-themed jewelry, pick-your-own blueberries, and bird nest boxes will be highlights of Hubbardston-Ware River Nature Club’s Annual Dinner Meeting at Hartman’s Herb Farm, Barre (pictured below) on January 18th.

    Following a mid-day buffet dinner, Dr. Thomas French, Assistant Director of Division of Fisheries and Wildlife/Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program will present a slide program entitled The Unexpected and Sudden Decline in Massachusetts Bats. Dr. French will provide an overview of native bat species, discuss the mysterious non-native fungus called White Nose Syndrome that is causing the precipitous decline of bats, and talk about recent research. State Ornithologist Dr. Andrew Vitz will also make a short presentation regarding two local “citizen science” bird projects being spearheaded by the Club.

    The afternoon event will include a silent auction to support HWRNC’s regular offerings of educational nature programs and field trips in central Massachusetts. The Club’s monthly presentations and outings, led by science/nature professionals and enthusiasts, are free and open to the public.

    Items ranging from art works to guided trips have been consigned so far, but additional donations of items or special services are welcome and still being accepted.

    This event, which will take place 12:30-5, is open to anyone interested in the Hubbardston-Ware River Nature Club. Cost is $28 per person for members, $32 per person for non-members. Annual membership in HWRNC is $15 individual, $20 family.

    For more information, to make a reservation, or to donate to the auction, contact hubbardstonnatureclub@yahoo.com.