Let's talk about bats!
Dr. O’Keefe will describe the status of bats and the threats they face, both globally and regionally. Then she’ll use research from her lab and others to show that bats have been undervalued in forests and that, while we may have given bats too much credit for insect suppression in big agriculture, we need more deliberate, localized studies to fully understand their value in the ecosystem.
Presenter: Joy O'Keefe; Assistant Professor, Wildlife Extension Specialist
Dr. Joy O'Keefe is based in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences. Her research primarily focuses on ways to facilitate the coexistence of bats and humans in human-altered landscapes. She works to understand the roosting and foraging ecology of bats, identify best practices for studying bat ecology, characterize bat behaviors, and assess the quality of mitigation practices designed to help bats. Dr. O'Keefe collaborates with many organizations and people who interact with bats, including private landowners, USDA Forest Service, National Park Service, and state agencies.
Forestry Spring Webinar Series
Just in time for spring, the Illinois Extension Forestry team will lead a five-session webinar series for woodland owners on Wednesdays starting April 5th.
The webinar is free and registration is required.