Evening Bat Walk at the Piedmont Memorial Overlook
July 21 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Join The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) and Smithsonian’s Virginia Working Landscapes (VWL) for an evening exploring the bat diversity of Northern Virginia’s Piedmont region.
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 Virginia’s bats. 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.
Illustration by Nick Garnhart/Smithsonian.
Towards the conclusion of the program, we’ll listen for bats in the meadow by using handheld echolocation recording devices.
There will be a short walk over uneven terrain from the parking area to the Overlook. The program will also include a short walk through the meadow on mowed trails.
This event is free but registration is required on Eventbrite. Space is limited.
About the Overlook
The Piedmont Memorial Overlook sits within a large block of privately and publicly protected land along the Blue Ridge Mountains that is a patchwork of forest, livestock pasture, and mountainous fields. The land was actively farmed from the late 18th century until the recent past, and was heavily grazed by cattle.
In 2012, PEC began an extensive restoration effort on the 50-acre parcel with funding from the USDA, first eliminating fescue and other non-native plants from the pasture, and then seeding native grasses and wildflowers. The property now serves as an active demonstration site for landowners who are interested in viewing habitat restoration practices.
The 15+ acre native meadow is home to songbirds, butterflies, raptors, bees and black bears. It was planted with 16 native wildflower species that provide forage for pollinators and habitat for grassland and shrubland birds. PEC manages the meadow using prescribed fire, late winter mowing, and invasive species monitoring.
Event Details
Weather: This event will be held rain or shine, barring any adverse weather conditions.
What to wear: We suggest wearing long pants and closed toed shoes! We will be walking through grass and tall vegetation.
What to bring: Sturdy shoes, bug spray, a lawn chair and a flashlight or headlamp are recommended.
* Please note that there are no restroom facilities available at the Overlook.
Questions? Contact October Greenfield at [email protected] or Linnea Sherman at [email protected].
