Bats: An Illustrated Guide to All (Some) Species

If your idea of a wild night includes sonar, sky acrobatics, and some seriously misunderstood mammals, “Bats: An Illustrated Guide to All (Some) Species” is your kind of event.

Merlin Tuttle’s Bat Conservation is bringing the hidden world of bats to life in this free, family-friendly presentation. Drawing on decades of fieldwork and photography across six continents, the talk dives into the everyday dramas of bats: who they are, how they navigate in the dark, what they eat, and why they’re critical to healthy ecosystems and economies.

Guiding the evening is Melissa Donnelly, Science Specialist at Merlin Tuttle’s Bat Conservation. She’s spent years in the field—from North America to the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Southeast Asia—helping with bat surveys and conservation projects. Expect clear science, wild stories from the field, and plenty of “I had no idea bats could do that” moments.

• Follow a “day in the life” of several bat species, from tiny insect hunters to impressive fruit bats.
• Learn why bats are quietly working for us every night—protecting crops, forests, and even public health.
• Get myth-busting facts that swap fear for fascination and show how easy it is to live alongside bats.
• See stunning, up-close photography that captures bats as curious, clever, and yes, even cute.
• Bring your questions—this is a welcoming space for the bat-curious, from total beginners to nature nerds.

This program is supported by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, which means you get a powerhouse science program at no cost. It’s perfect for families, students, educators, and anyone who’s ever watched bats swirl through the evening sky and wondered what they’re up to.

Come spend an hour discovering how much is happening above your head after sunset—and why bats may become your new favorite neighbors.