Bat Mist Netting- Location Changed

Event Summary

Bats Up Close: An Evening with Dr. Russ Benedict.

Join us for a super unique experience as we explore the secret lives of Iowa’s native bats! Dr. Russ Benedict, bat biologist and professor at Central College, brings 35 years of bat expertise right here in Dubuque County.We’ll kick things off with a fun and fast-paced talk full of surprising bat trivia—like how many bat species live in Iowa, what echolocation really sounds like, and why these misunderstood mammals are essential (and endangered!) members of our ecosystem.Then, as night falls, Dr. Benedict and his research team will demonstrate live bat mist netting—a safe, catch-and-release research method that lets us get an up-close look at real bats in action. You’ll see how scientists carefully study these nocturnal creatures and learn how bat conservation is helping protect biodiversity across Iowa and beyond.This is a rare chance to witness science in action!

Jackson County Conservation and Dubuque County Conservation are partnering to run various citizen science initiatives, including bat surveys! To learn about more of our projects or how you can get more involved, please email jrodewald@jacksoncounty.iowa.gov. 

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Programs