The bats are still flying at our “bat bridges” but docents will not be available on Thursday nights this summer. A notification from the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum:
For several years, the Desert Museum’s docent corps has been conducting bat interpretations at two bridges along the Rillito River, one located at River & Campbell and the other at Pantano River Park. These interpretations have helped promote bat awareness and conservation. The interpretations have been well received by the community and attendance at the events has grown significantly over the years.Unfortunately with increased interest and numbers of attendees, the interpretive sessions have exceeded the safety capacity at these sites, thus they have been discontinued.
For those who would like to learn more about bats, members of the community are encouraged to visit the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum during Cool Summer Nights to see live bats and learn about these often misunderstood creatures.
Additionally, on Saturday, August 30, the Desert Museum will host a special evening all about bats — Go Batty for the Museum’s Birthday! Festivities embrace everything that infuses the Museum with its unique approach to learning and loving the Sonoran Desert region. “From a complimentary photography class, to “bat talks” from experts, to listening to bats communicate with bat detectors, to bat-themed birthday cakes, this night will be a fabulous fiesta of fun,” states Director of Marketing, Rosemary Prawdzik. All of the special bat activities are free with Museum admission. For more information, go to: desertmuseum.org.
This article appears in Jul 3-9, 2014.
Seriously? I see people along the River Walk near Campbell every Thursday evening when I’m on the way home, and it sure doesn’t look anywhere near being at “capacity” – whatever that is.
Let me get this straight. There is an educational and community event that draws increasing interest and participation every year, so therefore we’re gonna stop doing it.
Yep, makes total sense. Way to step up, Tucson!
Exactly my thoughts, Hurri! In Austin watching the bats fly out at night is a social event. People bring picnics, watch the last of the sunlight, and then ooh and aah as the amazing flying insect-eaters take to the sky in the thousands. A fantastic educational event! Same with the Swifts in Portland (different species, same crowd drawing power) where every evening of Swift watching is filled with people – the Portland Audubon Society even has educators on site (and they collect donations=smart).
So short-sighted to turn interested people away! If the Trader Joe’s parking lot (near the Rillito River bridge at Campbell) is too small (and it is) then find another meeting spot. The business complex north of the river would work – it is a huge area with tons of parking which is empty at night since all the businesses are closed.
We’ve attended one of these events in the past. Had a marvelous time. Ran into some old friends, learned a lot and even grabbed a few items at TJs before leaving. Invite the nearby businesses to participate/sponsor the evenings. Heck, invite a food cart and make it a fun event!
This is not impossible – this can (and should be done)!