Due to high interest in the project, Bat Trackers will now be walking routes at Harbert-Payne park, Lee St beach and Canal Shores. We are just aiming at seven walks at each location this summer, folks going in pairs in the evening, carrying the monitor.
Are you interested in learning more about Chicago-area bats and contributing to ongoing conservation research? Join Bat Tracker, a community science project hosted by the Urban Wildlife Institute (UWI) at Lincoln Park Zoo! Natural Habitat Evanston is helping to organize the monitoring in Evanston, most likely near Harbert-Payne Woods, and possibly also at the lakefront.
As part of this project, volunteers will go out in teams around sunset to walk for roughly an hour within Harbert-Payne natural area. While walking, equipment provided by UWI will detect and record ultrasonic echolocation calls emitted by bats as they are flying around the landscape. Equipment will provide real-time feedback about the species recorded making it easier to see bats flying, and know what species are using the space!
Data collected will contribute to a large-scale community science program across the Chicago area with over 20 locations participating, and improve our understanding of habitat needs for these at-risk species!
Training will begin in April, with monitoring beginning in May, and taking place throughout summer/fall 2025.
Donating to Climate Action Evanston and earmarking your donation for Natural Habitat Evanston. You can further earmark your donation to one of our initiatives.
Join our Pollinator Pledge and let the city and landscapers know we care about sustainable yards. Take an optional yard sign to spread the word.
Help at outdoor workdays
Rethink how you Lawn
Get updates and share your thoughts on our FB Group. You can also check out our FB page here https://www.facebook.com/NaturalHabitatEvanston
Just want to spread the word on certain steps? Mow Less-Leave Leaves (2-sided yard sign) or Leafblowers sign
Provide Food, Water, Shelter, Places to Raise Young and Sustainable Steps for wildlife. It helps Evanston maintain its NWF Community-wide Wildlife Habitat certification.
