Springfield Lakes residents will soon be turning their eyes — and ears — to the skies as they participate in a unique evening event designed to spotlight the quiet lives of local bats and other nocturnal wildlife.
The Bat Detective Walk, organized by Springfield Lakes Nature Care Inc. (SLNC) and held on Wednesday, 17 April from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m., coincides with Bat Appreciation Day. The community event will take place around Regatta Lake and nearby conservation areas, offering participants a hands-on look at how bats are monitored and why they matter to the local ecosystem.
Shifting Public Perception about Bats
SLNC says bats are often misunderstood and commonly seen as pests or disease carriers. But in reality, bats are important in controlling insect populations and maintaining biodiversity. This event aims to educate the public while also collecting valuable data for ecological monitoring.
Before the walk begins, participants will get a brief introduction to bat species found in the Springfield Lakes area, along with the environmental threats they face. Organisers will also demonstrate how to use bat echodetectors, small handheld devices on loan from Titley Scientific, which are used to record high-frequency calls made by microbats that are usually beyond the range of human hearing.
A Walk with a Purpose
During the walk, small groups will move around the lake and through a nearby conservation reserve, using the detectors to identify bat calls. After sunset, a spotlight survey will be conducted to observe other nocturnal animals active in the area. All data collected, including bat call recordings, will be submitted to the iNaturalist platform, contributing to broader efforts to track and protect wildlife in the White Rock Spring Mountain Reserve.
At the end of the walk, the group will meet back at the BBQ shelter at Teenager Park, located at the corner of Waterside Drive and Lakeside Avenue, to review the audio recordings captured and discuss their findings. Light refreshments and cold drinks will be provided.
A Family-Friendly, Educational Outing
SLNC encourages families to attend and notes the event is suitable for all ages. Participants are asked to bring a smartphone, torch, and binoculars, and to wear closed-in shoes and clothing suitable for warding off mosquitoes. Parking is available off-street near the meeting point.
This event is part of SLNC’s ongoing efforts to engage the community in local conservation and biodiversity projects, offering everyday residents a chance to get involved in citizen science in a meaningful, hands-on way.
Published 15-April-2025