April is the best time of the year to observe bats since the bats are starting to come out of hibernation.
There will be a Night Hike through Sodalis Nature Preserve at 7 p.m. Friday, April 12 called
Where Oh Where Have the Little Bats Gone?
When exactly do the bats start leaving the abandoned lime kiln mines at the Sodalis Nature Preserve and where do they go? Gale Rublee, interpreter guide at Hannibal Parks & Recreation, said, “It depends on several factors from outside the air temperature, food supply and the stirring in their little bodies that Spring is arriving and it’s time to find their forest homes. If it’s a warm night, we might see some bats beginning to emerge.”
The program is free and open to the public but participation is limited. Register for space at www.hannibalparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program
Participants will meet at the new Sodalis Shelter on Ely Street. The full program will last about two hours and covers a two-mile paved loop with a steep incline but there are options for a shorter time period.