Bat Box Building Workshop

Bat Box Building Workshop

About: Learn all about our native bats and how to protect them in this special once-off event with Bat expert Joe Tonga. Did you know that microbats play a vital role in the ecology of the Swan Coastal Plain?  Our native microbats are tiny insectivorous flying mammals that can eat up to 1000 mosquitos each every night! They usually roost in tree hollows or under bark, but with urbanisation and clearing, their habitat is fast disappearing, threatening long-term survival. As part of this workshop you will help construct 10 bat boxes that will be installed in the trees around the Herdsman Lake Discovery Centre to provide alternative nest sites for our native bats. Not only is it a fun community event, you will be helping with the long-term conservation of our native bats! This special workshop will be limited to 10 families or groups  - so get in quick to secure your spot!

Date: Sunday 20th June 2021

Time: 12 noon -3pm (Participants welcome to come from 11:30 am for lunch before the workshop - BYO picnic)

Who: WA Gould League and Joe Tonga from Natsync Environmental

Cost: $10 FAMILY/GROUP (max 4 people/group; All children need to be accompanied by an Adult).

What’s included: 20 minute presentation by Joe Tonga (he has over 15 years of experience building bat boxes and has perfected the design that’s easy to build and the bats love them). The participants will then be split into 10 groups (Normally as a family) to construct the bat boxes and then paint them. Tea/coffee and light refreshments will be provided (for gold coin donation). All materials supplied.

What to bring: Water bottle, closed shoes, suitable clothing for woodworking and painting

Other info: Max 10 family or group spots available (ideally 3-4 people/group). Installation of the boxes will occur another day – participants are welcome to come back to help with this and GPS all the box locations for long-term monitoring.