Program length: two hours, optional field observations
Suitable age groups: 16 and up

Description: Participants will get intensive hands on experience and learn all the "do's" and "don'ts" involved in building their own modern bat house. And they will do just that: build their own bat house. The interpreter goes through each detail as all the parts come together and the boxes are taken home that afternoon.

If possible the group visits occupied bat houses and/or an evening exit of a bat colony. The interpreter tailors each program to the group and is very flexible. Refreshments, materials, cleanup supplies, and some tools are provided. Scout leaders: please write to find out how this program might be incorporated into a merit badge.

Location: The construction program can be given virtually anywhere but requires a medium or large sized uncluttered room. Keep in mind that building bat boxes can be messy with some unpleasant odors from sealant, but we are flexible enough to be able to provide the program outdoors or anywhere you wish. Several classic sites for viewing outstanding examples of occupied bat houses are in Blair County, Somerset County, Huntingdon County, Perry County, and Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.

Bat watch timing: As a general guide, July and August are the best months for observing bats, with May, June, and September also very good. Programs are often planned to begin roughly four to five hours before dusk to allow for time to observe bats.

Rates: Three Chamber bat boxes are $34.00 and Seven Chamber bat boxes are $70.00. There is no shipping fee. It is recommended that no more than three people work on a single bat box. Please contact us for availability.