“Mad About Bats” at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site will host “Mad About Bats,” a 30-minute educational comedy circus about bats, the history of flight and caring for our planet. This family-friendly program is presented by Leapin’ Louie and Jugglemania. Performances are 1 p.m. on Sept. 21 and 22 in the Historic Hangar at Pearson Air Museum. Jugglemania’s Rhys Thomas and Wild West roper David Lichtenstein use comedy, circus skills and audience involvement to educate adults and kids about bats. A beautiful bat puppet and large photos of bats are also used to help humans relate to these flying mammals.

At 6:45 p.m. on Sept. 21 and 22, Mount Rainier National Park Wildlife Ecologist Tara Chestnut will lead a survey of bat species at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. Participants must be age 10 and up; minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Participants will learn how specialists use acoustic detectors to listen for bats’ ultrasonic calls and use these to identify specific species and track behavior. The walk is expected to take approximately one hour and may be over uneven ground. Participants should dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. The survey is free but registration is required by calling 360-816-6230.

Get complete details about both events at go.nps.gov/fova/MadAboutBats.