Awards for Outstanding Contributions

The North American Bat House Research Project is awarding Life Member status to five individuals who have made special contributions to our knowledge of bat houses. Lisa Williams and Cal Butchkoski of the Pennsylvania Game Commission were the first to demonstrate the value of ventilation slots to prevent bat houses from overheating on hot days. They also were among the first to demonstrate the feasibility of providing alternate bat house roosts for little and big brown bats excluded from buildings. Amanda Lollar of Mineral Wells, Texas, has greatly increased our understanding of Mexican free-tailed bat preferences in bat houses, with approximately 10,000 bats in her houses. Jack Davis of the U.S. Forest Service diligently carried out experiments on 26 bat houses to test the effects of solar heating in northern Minnesota. By changing the color and solar exposure of unoccupied houses until they were occupied, he has made considerable progress in demonstrating what bats need in this exceptionally cool climate. Tony Koch of Oregon was the first to document the importance of dark color and sun for northwestern bat houses and was also the first to demonstrate that bat houses could be used to help control insect pests on organic farms. Each of these Research Associates will receive a plaque honoring their effort and dedication.