Just in Time for Halloween: Living Among Bats
Bats are among the most poorly understood and feared of all animals -- but bat species across the world are beneficial to agriculture, forestry, tourism and medicine. Whether consuming vast numbers of damaging insect pests -- saving US agriculture an average of $22.9 billion a year -- pollinating plants important to local economies or dispersing seeds critical to restoration of rain forests, bats are undeniably important. But they are also under threat of harm from sources both old and new.
Of all of the threats, human fear may be the most persistent one, based almost entirely on myth, exaggeration and misinformation.
Come hear our speaker explain why bats should be viewed as highly beneficial, rather than as pests, what threats they face, and why knowing the facts about bats will prevent many problems up front.
About our speaker
Dianne Odegard studied graphic art in college, but has always been fascinated by bats and other urban wildlife, and by the various ways humans respond to them. For over a decade she served as Bat Conservation International’s urban bat specialist, advising the public about bats in buildings, bats and public health and artificial roosts. She coauthored publications on bat control in schools and on aspects of bats in human structures, and continues to present programs promoting bat conservation with her own non-profit, Austin Bat Refuge.
She and her husband share their home with Zoey and Zuzu, African straw-colored fruit bats and, as state-permitted wildlife rehabilitators, with as many as 70 native Texas bats of nine different species.
Note: This week MBC will meet on the 7th floor of the UT Club.
MBC Celebrates Halloween
Get your Halloween on 10/25! 'Cos YOU could be MBC's Halloween Spiffy Spirit Award winner!
Spooky yet ALSO true, one lucky MBC member will win a pair of the Paramount Theatre's Moontower Comedy Festival satellite badges.
Cast Your Vote
Attention, members: On October 25, 2017, the current MBC Board will present a slate of candidates for the next Board term. Nominations will also be taken from the floor. Voting also will take place on October 25. If you have questions, contact BJ Bludau, current Board President, or Garland Cole, Nominations Committee Chair.
MBC Financial Update
As part of our October 25 meeting, the MBC Board will present a review of our current financial metrics.
Agenda
6:50am - Coffee & Networking
7:00am - Breakfast Buffet (note early start time for October 25)
7:25am - Introductions & Announcements, Halloween Spiffy Spirit Award
7:50am - Speaker Introduction
8:20am - Q&A
8:30am - Have a wonderful Wednesday!
Directions and Parking to UT Club
Breakfast Fees & Policy
