Date: October 28, 2024

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Location: Transylvania County Public Library, Rogow Room

Speaker: Sharon Mammoser, naturalist, photographer, and writer

Bats are amazingly diverse, and incredibly important to a healthy ecosystem. One average size bat can eat up to 1000 mosquito-sized insects in ONE HOUR and save farmers all over the world millions of dollars in pest control. Yet so many people have a negative opinion of this gentle animal. My friend, and bat biologist and photographer, Merlin Tuttle has dedicated his life to studying bats and educating people around the world about their value. With the help of some of his incredible photos, this program will introduce you to the fascinating world of bats. How many bat species are there? How many live in NC? How do they find their prey in pitch darkness? Do they spread rabies and other diseases? Why would you want to welcome bats into your yards? These and many more questions will be answered as we discover the truth about these masters of the night.

After a childhood full of time spent exploring the wild lands around her house in western New York state, Sharon earned her Bachelor of Science degree from SUNY at New Paltz. For the next 12 years she shared nature with people of all ages in Minnesota, Michigan, Rhode Island, Colorado and New York. After thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail, she moved to western North Carolina. Through photography, writing, and educational programs, she aims to educate people about their outdoor neighbors and encourage actions that will help the natural world thrive. Sharon states, “Nature is my church. It is what nourishes my soul and makes my heart sing with joy.”

The Brevard Speaker Series programs are made possible thanks to our partnership with the NC Cooperative Extension, Transylvania County Center.

Contact Pam Torlina, pam@conservingcarolina.org, with questions or for more information.