The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to present the Bring Back the Bats informational workshop on Saturday, November 11th, 2023 at the Trailside Museum in Mountainside, hosted by Girl Scout Ambassador Lila Keller with guest Rutgers naturalist Kathleen Kerwin.
“Bats are animals that are often misunderstood and undervalued, even though they play a major role in our ecosystem,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “Here in New Jersey, bats help our agriculture industry by consuming a significant number of crop pests, reducing the need for chemical pest control. Bat echolocation is even driving advancements in military technology and healthcare systems. I encourage all Union County residents to learn more about how these creatures benefit us at the Bring Back the Bats workshop.”
The Bring Back the Bats workshop, led by Lila Keller and Kathleen Kerwin, will run from 10:30am-11:30am at the Trailside Museum, 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside on Saturday, November 11th, 2023. Participants of all ages will gain insights into the world of bats and the critical role they play in our environment, understand the threats bats face and explore the significance of conservation efforts.
The workshop will also feature a presentation on a recent Girl Scout project that showcases how anyone can contribute to the recovery of local bat populations. Lila Keller, Girl Scout Ambassador, will share her experiences and insights from this project, highlighting how small actions can make a big difference.
Kathleen Kerwin, M.S., received her B.S. and M.S. in Ecology, Evolution and Natural Resources from Rutgers University in 2012 and 2014 respectively. She has a strong background in wildlife monitoring and management with project experience throughout the United States. Kathleen joined the Wildlife Conservation and Management Program in 2015, and her responsibilities include program management, development of educational programs, and delivery of extension services.