Second Annual South Dakota Bat Festival on Saturday

 

CUSTER, S.D.--Come learn about the often misunderstood mammals of the night this Saturday, Aug. 11, at the Second Annual South Dakota Bat Festival to be held at Custer State Park.  Wildlife experts and enthusiasts will be on hand to give presentations, answer questions and distribute information.

 

This family-orientated event will begin at 5 p.m. at the Tatanka Theater in the Game Lodge with an educational presentation.  Bat research equipment and survey methods will be showcased from 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. As part of a continuing survey of the area, researchers will be actively capturing bats which visitors will be able to view up close. 

 

Tatanka Theatre is located approximately 14 miles east of Custer on U.S. Highway 16A in Custer State Park.  Although there is no charge for the activities, the park does charge an entrance fee. 

 

This year’s festival is sponsored by South Dakota Bat Working Group, Custer State Park, S.D. Game, Fish & Parks Wildlife Division, South Dakota State University, Batworks, BS BioServ, Inc. and the U.S. Forest Service.

 

For more information on the South Dakota Bat Festival, contact Bradley Phillips at (605) 673-4853 or Joel Tigner of Batworks at 721-4564.           

 

--GFP--

 

State Parks Encourage Physical Activity at Weekend Events

 

PIERRE, S.D. – Three state parks across South Dakota will be holding special events on Saturday, Aug. 18. All three events will give visitors the opportunity to be active while enjoying the fresh air of the outdoors.

 

“Evening with the Owls” Walk in the Park, 8:30 p.m. at Oahe Downstream Recreation Area near Ft. Pierre. Park visitors are invited to try to see who is out and about in the trees. Participants will learn about the different types of owls located in the park and how to identify them by their appearance and sound. For more information, call (605) 223-7722.

 

“Bugs and Butterflies” Walk in the Park, 11 a.m. at Indian Creek Recreation Area near Mobridge. Learn about bugs and butterflies through hands-on activities. On this walk, participants will use bug nets to collect insects and then try to identify them using identification books. Visitors will also complete a craft project to take home. For more information, call (605) 845-7115.

 

“A Walk Through History” Walk in the Park, 10 a.m. at Pickerel Lake Recreation Area near Waubay. Explore the land surrounding Pickerel Lake. Visitors are invited to join park staff for an educational walk about the history of the area. For more information, call (605) 486-4753.

 

There is no cost to participate in any of these programs, although a park entrance license is required. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes, insect repellent and dress for the weather. These programs are in addition to the regular programming held at the state parks and recreation areas.

 

The Walk in the Park programs are part of a series of educational, guided hikes held throughout the year in South Dakota State Parks, recreation areas and nature preserves. Park staff and volunteers lead the programs, which are co-sponsored by the S.D. Department of Health.

 

For more information on the South Dakota State Parks, the Walk in the Park program or for a full calendar of events, please visit www.SDparks.info or call (605) 773-3391. To learn about park programs in your area, contact your local state park office.

 

– GFP –