Arboretum holds bat night

The sounds of excited voices and fluttering wings filled the Troy University Arboretum as students, faculty, staff and community members gathered to learn about one of Alabama’s most misunderstood animals – bats.  

Attendees were given a brief presentation by Auburn University’s Dr. Matthew Grillot on bats before they were shown one live, after which it was released.  

The event, held in partnership with the Troy Naturalist Club and guest speaker Dr. Grilliot, aimed to educate attendees about the ecological importance of bats and encourage conservation efforts within the community. Organizers hoped the event would help change common misconceptions and show how bats contribute to maintaining healthy ecosystems. 

Dr. Alvin Diamond, a Troy professor and the director of the Arboretum, explained that bats play a vital role in controlling insect populations and supporting agricultural health. 

“A lot of people are afraid of bats and think they’re going to give them rabies or get tangled in their hair,” Diamond said. “In fact, bats are very important parts of the ecosystem.  

“They feed on a lot of insect pests, which benefits both farmers and the public.” 

Many had the opportunity to observe bats up close and learn about their habitats, diets and behaviors. Seeing the animal firsthand helped many visitors better understand how bats function in local ecosystems and why conservation efforts matter. 

Senior environmental science major Ethan Jones helped organize the event after receiving funding to install bat houses at the arboretum, a project that inspired the development of the outreach program. 

Jones emphasized that bats are especially important in Alabama, where insect populations increase significantly during warmer months. 

“If we want fewer bugs, we need more bats,” Jones said. 

One of the biggest challenges bats face, other than public misunderstanding, is habitat loss. According to Diamond, many species rely on specific environments such as mature forests and streamside habitats which have declined over time due to development and environmental changes. 

“I think educating the public and making people aware helps,” Diamond said. “Once you appreciate something, you’re more likely to support conservation efforts.” 

Students who attended the event said they appreciated the opportunity to learn more about local wildlife and experience the animals in a hands-on setting. 

Anna Ellington, a freshman biology major from Dothan, Alabama, said she enjoyed attending the event and learning more about bats and their role in the environment. 

“It was interesting to learn more about bats and see them up close,” Ellington said. 

Organizers hope to continue holding similar educational programs in the future to encourage community involvement and environmental awareness. 

“We’re talking about having other events like this,” Jones said. “Seeing such a large turnout makes me grateful, especially knowing people care about conservation.” 

Events like this not only provide opportunities for learning but also help build connections between scientific research and public understanding. By allowing the public to interact with researchers and see wildlife up close, organizers aim to foster long-term interest in conservation and environmental education. 

For more information about upcoming events at the Troy University Arboretum, students and community members can follow updates from the Troy Naturalist Club on Instagram or visit the Troy Arboretum Facebook page, where future programs and outreach opportunities are regularly announced.