Bat Netting at Walnut Creek

Arizona is home to 28 species of bats, many of which live and forage right in our own backyards. Bats are the only true flying mammals and are primary predators of insect pests helping to control insect-spread human diseases. Although bats play critical roles in our ecosystem, they are declining rapidly worldwide.

Join us for a bat netting event with the Arizona Game and Fish Department and the Prescott National Forest to meet these misunderstood creatures in person! This is a rare opportunity to see these mysterious and fascinating animals up close and learn about their essential roles in the ecosystems in which they live.

A portion of the registration fee will fund the AZGFD wildlife viewing enhancements and opportunities statewide.

As participants set up camp, researchers and volunteers will set up large, inconspicuous nets above the creek to capture bats traveling down the riparian corridor. Bats use these stream passages to drink and feed on insects in the early evening. While we wait for bats to arrive, the Arizona Game and Fish Wildlife Viewing Team will give a presentation on bat biology and ecology. Biologists will then retrieve the bats from the nets and bring them back to record data. Attendees will have an up-close viewing and photograph opportunity before the bats are released. Along the way, we will learn about the species captured and the scientific process of collecting data.

The following day, we invite guests to find our other winged friends—birds! A naturalist will lead a morning birding session along Walnut Creek's riparian habitat.

The event will occur at the Walnut Creek Center for Education and Research, located one-hour northwest of Prescott. This remote area is rich in biological diversity, with two perennial streams and close proximity to two wilderness areas. Our bat netting event will be the first of its kind in this area! Participants are encouraged to camp overnight and join the morning birding session. There is a flush toilet outhouse located near the camping area. No transportation is provided, but we can help arrange carpooling for those interested.

July 13, 2024

6:30pm: Arrive at Walnut Creek Research and Education Center and set up campsites if staying overnight.

7:30pm: Program with AZGFD starts with a presentation on bat biology and ecology.

8:00pm-10:00pm: Nets are deployed and checked by biologists. Captured bats will be recorded and measured. Attendees will get an up-close look at the bats and photograph opportunities.

10:30pm: Attendees have the option of camping at Walnut Creek or heading home for the night.

July 14, 2024

7:00am-9:00am: Morning birding led by a naturalist along the riparian habitat on Walnut Creek.

Cancellation Policy

1. Participants who cancel more than 5 days before the Program (on or before July 8, 2024) will receive a full refund, minus a 10% administrative fee of the event cost.
2. For cancellations with less than 5 days left before the 1st day of the Program (after July 8, 2024), no refund will be issued.
3. If the Program is canceled due to weather, participants will receive a full refund.
4. Any refund under this Agreement will be paid within 14 business days of NHI's receipt of the refund request.
5. No refund for the Program will be available solely because of dissatisfaction with the presentation or contents of the Program. I understand and agree that no credit or refund for the Program shall be available if I cancel on the arrival day, if I do not show up, or if I leave the Program early for any reason.
6. All notices of cancellation and refund requests shall be made by contacting NHI via email [email protected] or by submitting notice in person or by mail to: NHI, 126 N. Marina Street, Prescott, AZ, 86301.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Walnut creek Center For Education And Research, Walnut creek Center For Education And Research, Prescott, United States