Bats
Bats are Really Amazing. Sadly, Some Species are At-Risk
Many people only know about bats from scary movies or stories. But did you know they are a key part of the River's ecosystem?
The San Diego River Watershed is home to at least 16 of the 22 bat species in San Diego County. Amazing!
The San Diego River Park Foundation is raising awareness about these amazing critters, collecting research data about bats, and taking action to help conserve them - especially the most vulnerable.
What's so cool about bats?
- Bats are vital to our ecosystem
- Bats help by distributing seeds
- Bats are great pollinators
- Bats eat mosquitos and other pests
- Bats use echolocation to navigate and can determine size, shape, speed, and direction as they detect different features
- Bats are the only flying mammal
Engaging People - Our Bat Walks
We host monthly educational bat walks from May through October. Using bat detection devices, you learn about what type of bats are present while observing them in their natural habitat.
Contact our Natural Resource Senior Manager Natalie . or call us at 619-297-7380 to learn about our next event.
An Example of Taking Action
On one of the properties we acquired along Boulder Creek at the base of Cuyamaca Peak, we identified an old mine where we found bats roosting inside. We applied for and received a grant from SANDAG to install a "bat gate" to help protect both people and the bats, and help us study this bat population. We have been amazed at how many different bats are in and around this mine. 14 species have already been documented.
We worked with the San Diego Natural History Museum to document the bats and still continue our research.
Along with partnering with the SDNHM, we work with Bat Conservation International, local bat expert Don Albright, and others to guide our program. Collected bat data is shared with partners and used by our Youth Education Program. It also informs our open space acquisitions and restoration projects.
For more information on this project and ways to get involved, contact our Senior Program Manager, Natalie at natalie@sandiegoriver.org or call our team at 619-297-7380.
How you can help the bat population of the San Diego River Watershed
Donate - Support Your Passion and Make a Real Difference
SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY - 1 Left
Adopt a Bat - Limited Number Available
$156 for a year, or make a monthly donation of $13
Get an adoption e-certificate with information about "your" bat, and be invited to an exclusive bat event. You and your guest join other bat enthusiasts to learn first hand about these amazing animals in a small group setting. Of course, these are ceremonial adoptions, we like to keep wild bats wild! Adopt a Bat Certificate and fact sheet will be emailed to you. Please contact us if this is a gift for someone else.
Become a Friend of Bats
Donate $13 or more to become a Friend of the Bats
Friends of Bats receive early notice about our popular bat walks where local experts share the significance of our local bats and use special bat detection technology to locate these amazing critters with you.
These events often reach capacity so with an early invitation you and any guests will sure to be able to attend.
A note about online giving
We use PayPal for our online giving but you have other options.
You can always call us at 619-297-7380, and we can take credit card, bank card or e-check information over the phone or send you.
We can also talk about other options and ways you can help. Thanks!
Other Donation Methods
- By mail: click here for a printable form (PDF), or send a check payable to San Diego River Park Foundation
4891 Pacific Highway, Suite 114
San Diego, CA 92110 - By phone: call 619-297-7380, Monday-Friday, 9AM - 2PM
- Venmo: @sandiegoriver and indicate for "Bats"
- Cryptocurrency
- Gifts of Stock
The San Diego River Park Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit EIN 01-0565671. All donations are tax deductible as provided by law.