Tuesday-evening Bat Walk programs at Garden of the Gods June 13-Aug. 29
Small brown bats like this one are the most
common type seen
during the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center Bat Walks program.
Courtesy of Bret Tennis
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The weekly walks start at 6:30 p.m. and last up to 2 ˝ hours. “Programs usually end sooner but that time can depend on when the bats leave their roost,” explained Bret Tennis, the city's operations administrator for the Garden.
There is no charge, but reservations are necessary at 219-0108.
The center, which is operated by the Garden of the Gods Foundation, is at 1805 N. 30th St.
The walks are led by Visitor Center volunteers Jeannie McElderry and Al Rodney.
Brown bats are the most common type of bats found in this area. According to information from McElderry, they consume insects by the hundreds. They migrate to this region from hotter climates every year between about June and August. While here, they make their homes in rock crevices in the Garden.
For the programs, “we ask participants to dress for the evening weather, to be able to hike a short distance and to bring water and a flashlight,” Tennis said.
He added that the program is not recommended for children under the age of 5 and no strollers are allowed.
Westside Pioneer article
(Posted 6/1/17;
Outdoors:
Garden of the Gods)
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