‘BatsLIVE’ has waiting list

Staff report

Slippery Rock, Pa.

Jennings Environmental Education Center, 2951 Prospect Road, will host the second in a series of citizen-science investigations for home-schooling families with older children from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. May 17.

“BatsLIVE” is an opportunity to learn about bats and the challenges facing them, to participate in a “virtual field trip” via live webcast, and to find out how to become involved in bat-related investigations.

The indoor program will combine instructional presentations and activities in Jennings’ classroom with participation in the webinar.

The program is part of an “International Year of the Bat (2011-2012)” observance, which aims to increase understanding of the roles and importance of bats.

Bats are vital to healthy ecosystems and human economies worldwide. Yet these creatures are among the least studied and most misunderstood of animals.

The program is designed for home-schooled students at a fourth- through eighth-grade level, accompanied by a parent, at a cost of $3 per person (maximum $12 per family).

Registration is full, but there is a waiting list. Pre-registration is required by Thursday, either by phone 724-794-6011 or online at http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/Calendar/.