Bat Facts at Second Saturday

Many beliefs about bats are actually based on myth rather than facts. The Friends of Hagerman NWR will present Steve Hensley and The Secret World of Bats for the Second Saturday nature program, June 14, at Hagerman NWR. Hensley is Manager of the Ozark Plateau National Wildlife Refuge, and will speak about the work of the refuge. Originally known as the Oklahoma Bat Caves National Wildlife Refuge, Ozark Plateau NWR was established for the protection of endangered bats and their habitat. The refuge is made up of several parcels of land located in northeastern Oklahoma. These parcels contain numerous caves considered crucial for the bats' survival, and the refuge is currently closed to the public to protect this habitat. In addition,The Secret World of Bats, a 48-minute film will be shown. Originally aired on CBS television, the film captures all aspects of bat behavior as world-renowned cinematographer Dieter Plage follows Bat Conservation International founder Merlin Tuttle across five continents, capturing all aspects of bat behavior with remarkable slow-motion photography. The program will be held at 10 a.m. in the AV Center at Hagerman NWR. Second Saturday programs are free and open to the public. Kits for bat houses will be available, for a donation, following the program. For more information, contact the refuge at 903 786 2826 or visit www.friendsofhagerman.com.