(by Anita Fernandez)
New Hampshire is home to eight species of bats, five of which stay up here year-round. All of them are of conservation concern and can use your help. This Bat Week, make a plan to support bats in your area next summer by providing night-blooming plants like Common Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis) and Heartleaf Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia) that will attract insects. All eight bat species are insectivores and can consume half of their body weight each night! Put outdoor lights on shut-off timers to limit disruptions to bat (and insect) breeding cycles and migration patterns. You can even install a long pond on your property as a drinking water source for flying bats.
