Submitted Photo: These SUNY Fredonia students are getting ready for the bat lab. Pictured from left: Jake Jablonski (business major), Sandi Emke (grad school biology major), Jennifer Able (biology major), Claudia White (environmental sciences major, GIS minor) and PJ Jennings (environmental science major, visual arts & new media minor).

The impending threat of bat extinction has sparked SUNY Fredonia to promote a bat lab today, Sept. 16, from 1-5 p.m.

This unique environmental event will be in collaboration with Greystone Bat, Bird, and Butterfly Sanctuary. Both agencies feel the need to inform the public of the beauty and plight of bats and to encourage stewardship of this most extraordinary species.

This is a free, public opportunity for bat education and appreciation. All are invited to tour the first floor of the beautiful new Science Center, which is centrally located on the SUNY Fredonia campus.

The bat lab will feature three prominent speakers. Dr. Karry Kazial will be presenting the wonders of bat sonar and communication. Jonathan Townsend will inform and entertain with his talk “A Bat Nerd’s Adventures in Cuba.” The official Bat Lady of Chautauqua Institution for the last 18 years, Caroline Bissell, will delight audiences of all ages with information and appreciation. Several environmentally friendly informational booths will each be promoting stewardship and appreciation of nature through their unique approaches. A variety of children’s activities, all centered around creating a more significant connection between children and bats, will be offered. Specially designed bat cookies will be on sale along with refreshments. A live wood carving demonstration will also be happening on the lawn adjacent to the Science Center. Come see the bat appear!

The bat lab will close with a walk (or ride if preferred) to the new bat house installation, near the soccer fields. The dedication of the bat house will be followed by music and closing remarks.

For more information call Diane Clark at (716) 792-7899.