Did you know that bats offer numerous ecosystem services globally, including pest control, pollination, and seed dispersal? Here in Virginia, bats are critical members of our agricultural ecosystems, consuming thousands of insect pests each night. Erin Shibley, a wildlife biologist with the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, will present an interactive program about the behavior and ecological benefits of bats.

This presentation will share Smithsonian research updates from a new Virginia Working Landscapes’ study that explores how bats utilize foraging habitat across agricultural landscapes. Attendees will learn about conservation challenges to North American bat populations and how everyone can get involved to help support bats on their own properties. This presentation will also include an overview of newly collected bat acoustic data from the Clifton Institute during the summer of 2026. Afterwards, we’ll take a short, optional field walk and use handheld acoustic recording devices to see if we can observe and identify any bats flying overhead.

Recommended items to bring include a headlamp/flashlight and long pants/sturdy close-toed shoes.

Cost:

Children 18 and under – Free

Adults – $15 All proceeds from our programs go directly to funding our education programs, restoration work, and research projects. Thank you for your support!

Ages: Adults and children accompanied by an adult.

Weather policy: Date and time subject to change dependent on weather. Please check your email for an update on the afternoon before.

Registration is REQUIRED.

Cancellation policy: If you register and can no longer attend this event, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can open your spot to someone else. Clifton will refund tickets if we have to cancel, but not if attendees cancel.

By registering for this event, you are affirming that you have read and agree to our liability release policy.