Bats play critically important roles in our environment and have suffered great losses due to habitat loss and diseases. Efforts to protect our nation’s bat populations are underway, and we will be joined by national bat education expert Kim Winter, as she will discuss national Bat Conservation efforts coordinated through the Forest Service NatureWatch program. We will also be joined by local expert Dan Ardia, as he explores with us the crucial role bats play in urban bat.

About the Presenter: Kim Winter, NatureWatch

Kimberly Winter is NatureWatch National Program Manager for the U.S. Forest Service in Washington, D.C. She holds a Ph.D. in Wildlife Ecology and Management and a Master’s degree in Ecological Anthropology. Throughout her career in both the non-profit sector and in public service, Kim has sought ways to bring the value of conservation to the public eye by promoting opportunities for general audiences to immerse themselves fully in nature, whether through programs like freshwater snorkeling, special events hosted by National Forests and Grasslands like Fishing Days, Bat Week, and Pollinator Week; or online through media hosted by the NatureWatch website (www.fs.fed.us/naturewatch). Kim is a co-founder of Bat Week and continues to serve on its annual planning committee.

About the Presenter: Dan Ardia, Franklin and Marshall College

Dan Ardia is a Professor of Biology at Franklin & Marshall College. His primary research interest is understanding how organisms interact with their environment in response to rapid environmental change. Much of his research focuses on the physiology and behavior of birds across the world, including in Africa, South America and Alaska. But, he and his students also conduct local research projects, including forest mammals, urban bats, and the broader urban and social ecology of the City of Lancaster. Ardia is currently the Past-President of the Association of Field Ornithologists, and he sits on the Board of Directors of Lancaster Conservancy, Pennsylvania Master Naturalist; and Millport Conservancy.

About Nature Hour

Nature Hour is a virtual lecture series by Lancaster Conservancy, taking place on Wednesdays throughout fall, winter, and spring. To find out about other events in the series please follow this link: www.lancasterconservancy.org/events/

With consideration for the restrictions around COVID-19 and the safety of everyone, the Conservancy is excited to expand our educational outreach online to feature presentations and lectures from some of our favorite local and regional experts.

How to Participate

Registration is required. Attendees will receive an e-mail with a link to access the presentation via Zoom the day of the event. Conservancy staff will be on hand starting at 5:50pm prior to each lecture to answer your questions and help you familiarize yourself with how Zoom works.

Thank you to our incredible Annual Sponsors for their generous support!