World of Bats at Mines of Spain
Posted: 02/05/2013

The Mines of Spain Recreation Area will host a free program on bat research conducted by the University of Dubuque as part of the Winter Program series at 1 p.m., Feb. 10.

Megan M. Johnson will present their findings from research on bats at the Mines of Spain and other locations in the Dubuque area. The presentation will be held in the auditorium and there will be a related activity for children in the lower level. 

The research on bats started from the point that bats are in trouble from White Nosed Syndrome that has killed millions in the United States and Canada. 

Johnson will share the researchers’ findings and information on which bats call the Mines of Spain home and which are in need of help.  She will discuss the life of a bat, its role in our lives and how they fit into the cycle of nature. Some of the equipment and materials used in the research will be on display during the program.

Winter programs usually last about an hour.  The center will be open from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., on the second and fourth Sundays of February and March. Visitors may tour the center, view the animals, and access the exhibits and gift shop during open hours. Trails are open 4 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.  The E. B. Lyons Interpretive Center is located at 8991 Bellevue Heights south of Dubuque off Hwy. 52. 

For more information about this program and others, or the Mines of Spain Recreation Area, call the E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center at 563.556.0620 or www.minesofspain.