The World of Bats

More than an accomplished bat researcher, Julia Chase-Brand is a truly remarkable woman whose life has been defined by curiosity, perseverance, breaking barriers, and changing history. Many may remember her as a pioneering distance runner and/or her appearances on Nickelodeon as the beloved "Bat Lady," where she inspired young audiences to appreciate wildlife and science. She also made history by becoming the oldest person to earn a medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Yeshiva University, proving that learning and pursuing new dreams have no age limit.

Julia Chase-Brand grew up in nearby Groton, CT, and went on to spend a quarter century studying bats, primarily in the mountains of Trinidad and the rainforests of Australia. “Blind as a bat”? No! Though all the bats in the Americas have sonar or “echolocation”, Julia and her colleagues found that they have vision as well and can use vision for homing, obstacle avoidance, escape and even pattern vision, when it suits their purposes.

Red bats, white bats, striped bats, bats that fish, bats that make tents, bats that eat frogs and frogs that eat bats. Come enjoy an evening discovering bats and some of the other characters who ambled into this researcher’s wildlife including an amorous gorilla, a 7 inch tarantula, and a friendly capybara that loved to curl up and snooze with its human friends.

This inspiring program celebrates a lifetime of exploration, groundbreaking research, and lifelong learning. It is designed to engage both children and adults alike. Come celebrate the season with the real stars of Halloween and discover why bats are among the most extraordinary animals on Earth!

Important Info

• Parking is available at Barlow Nature Preserve
• This event is no cost for WLT members or youth participants, and $10 per person for not-yet members.
• An adult must accompany their child.
• Not a WLT member and would like to be? CLICK HERE!
• Registration is required for all participants, spots are limited.