Enjoy the Nightlife!

Join bat experts and enthusiasts at the Wisconsin Bat Festival, Saturday, June 1 (10:00 AM - 6:00 PM  & 7:00 - 10:00 PM). The festival will feature opportunities to learn about different bat species and enable you to discover, and contribute to, the essential conservation efforts being made worldwide.

New this year will be a "Bat Science Night" in which to observe bat research techniques as part of monitoring efforts made by local bat researchers.

The Wisconsin Bat Festival is held at the Warner Park Community Recreation Center.  See directions here. All proceeds benefit the Wisconsin Bat Conservation Fund. Festival entrance fees are $5.00 per adult (16+); children free (with paying adult).  See flyer.

To learn more about bats, visit the following links:

Wisconsin Bat Monitoring Program

Organization for Bat Conservation

Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin, Bat Conservation Endowment Fund

Green Porno

Are you in the mood?  In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, take a look at how the mating game is played with an amusing, yet informative, series of very short films. 
In each Green Porno film, actress Isabella Rossellini interprets the reproductive behavior of marine and terrestrial animals and insects.  

Challenge your knowledge of the birds and the bees and visit the site to view the films and the creative process behind-the-scenes.

Battitude (May 12)

Spread your wings at the Wisconsin Bat Festival, Saturday, May 12 (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM). The festival will feature opportunities to learn about different bat species from experts Rob Miles and Dave Redell, and enable you to discover, and contribute to, the essential conservation efforts being made worldwide.

And, this year, meet author and illustrator, Brian Lies.  His children’s books include Bats at the Beach, Bats at the Library, and Bats at the Ballgame.

The Wisconsin Bat Festival will be held at the Warner Park Community Recreation Center.  See directions here. All proceeds will benefit the Wisconsin Bat Conservation Fund. Festival entrance fees are $8.00 per adult (16+); children free (with paying adult).  See flyer.

To learn more about bats, visit the following links:

Wisconsin Bat Monitoring Program

Organization for Bat Conservation

Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin, Bat Conservation Endowment Fund

Getting Batty

As a bat enthusiast, I cannot help but encourage you to spread your wings at the Wisconsin Bat Festival, Saturday, April 16 (10:00 AM - 4:00 PM). The festival will feature opportunities to learn about different bat species from experts Rob Miles and Dave Redell, and enable you to discover, and contribute to, the essential conservation efforts being made worldwide. Hands-on projects include constructing your own backyard roost.

The Wisconsin Bat Festival will be held at the Lussier Family Heritage Center, Lake Farm County Park (3011 Lake Farm Road, Madison). See directions here.

All proceeds will benefit the Wisconsin Bat Conservation Fund. Festival entrance fees are $8.00 per adult (16+); children free (with paying adult).

To learn more about bats, visit the following links:

• Wisconsin Bat Monitoring Program

• Organization for Bat Conservation

Year of the Rabbit

As February rings in the Chinese New Year, it is worth noting that, according to the Chinese zodiac, it is the Year of the Rabbit. And, should you wonder why I am posting said observation, let me call your attention to any number of rabbit-y resources available from Steenbock Library to satisfy your interest in the little critter—whether seen as pet or pest.

Bennett, Bob. Storey's Guide to Raising Rabbits
Pownal, Vt.: Storey Books, c2001

Davis, Susan E. and Margo DeMello. Stories Rabbits Tell: A Natural and Cultural History of a Misunderstood Creature
New York: Lantern Books, 2003.

Logsdon, Gene. Wildlife in the Garden: How to Live in Harmony with Deer, Raccoons, Rabbits, Crows, and Other Pesky Creatures
Bloomington: Indiana University Press, c1999

Sandford, J. C. (John Cecil. The Domestic Rabbit
Oxford ; Cambridge, Mass.: Blackwell Science, 1996

For assistance locating these titles and more, do consult with your librarians.