Get ready to Go Wild for Bats! The Wild Ones Lake-to-Prairie Chapter and University of Illinois Extension – Lake County are teaming up to bring you an exciting, free webinar on February 3, 2026, from 7:00–8:00 pm CT. If you’re curious about the incredible bats that call Illinois and Lake County home, this is your chance to dive in.
This lively online program spotlights the 13 bat species found in Illinois, including favorites like the big brown bat, hoary bat, and silver-haired bat—nature’s own pest control experts. You’ll discover how essential these animals are to healthy ecosystems and learn practical, impactful ways to create bat‑friendly habitat right in your backyard or neighborhood.
The session will go beyond basic facts, empowering you with simple conservation actions that help protect local bat populations facing growing environmental threats. It’s all part of the Wild Ones mission to inspire environmentally conscious gardening and community stewardship across Lake County.
The webinar is free, but registration is required to join the live program.
Your guide for the evening is Dr. Joy O’Keefe, Associate Professor and Wildlife Extension Specialist in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign—one of the region’s leading experts on bat ecology and conservation.
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