Did you know you can borrow a Bat Detector from FVRL’s Playground collection? Connect the Bat Detector to your phone via Echo Meter Touch app and track Bats in your neighbourhood.
These kits are available for both Android and iOS. Each pack includes an Echo Meter bat detector that allows you to listen to and identify bats in real-time, as well as books and resources. Whether you’re a nature lover, a curious learner or a parent looking for a fun family activity, Bat Packs are a great option. Become a Bat Detective today!
Borrowing is easy! Use your FVRL card to borrow from a local library or place a hold, and get started!
Bats Start to Emerge
As the days get longer and the temperature rises, bats across British Columbia are beginning to wake up from hibernation. In March, some bats start emerging to find food. By April, most are actively foraging, providing the perfect opportunity to listen and detect these amazing flying mammals. Bats play a vital role in controlling insect populations and keeping ecosystems balanced.
Tech Update: iOS Kits Now More Compatible
Our iOS kits now support both older iPhones (Lightning cable) and newer models (USB-C) through our updated kits, which include a dongle to support both. This kit upgrade ensures that you, our customers, can explore and engage with our interactive kits without worrying about compatibility.
Thank You, Chilliwack Museum!
A huge thank you to the Chilliwack Museum for featuring our Bat Packs in their recent bat exhibit, Bats: Out of the Darkness, which ran from October 31 to February 22! The exhibit highlighted the important role bats play in our ecosystem, from controlling insect populations to pollinating plants. Visitors learned about local bat species, their habitats and how they can help protect them.
We’re thrilled that our Bat Packs were part of this engaging display, giving attendees a glimpse into bat detection technology and citizen science opportunities. If you missed the exhibit, you can still borrow a Bat Pack from the library and start your own bat exploration journey!
FVRL STEAM Specialist Brandon and the FVRL Bat Pack display at Chilliwack Museum.
Mark Your Calendar: Join the BC Bat Count
Ever wondered how scientists track bat populations? You can help! The BC Bat Count happens four times a year —twice between June 1 and 21 and twice between July 11 and August 5. These citizen science efforts help researchers monitor bat colonies and assess population health. It’s easy to participate and makes a big impact! Find out more at BCbats.ca.
Fly on by the Library
Spring is the perfect time to discover the incredible world of bats. Perfect for families and individuals, Bat Packs support STEAM learning and promote bat conservation. Whether you're borrowing a Bat Pack, joining a bat count or simply keeping an eye out at dusk, there are so many ways to appreciate these fascinating creatures!
Fly on by an FVRL location today and borrow a Bat Detector.
Brandon Monahan is the FVRL STEAM Specialist.