Learning Circle Potluck: Becoming a Bat Landlord

This gathering will be an opportunity for women landowners, growers, and conservation professionals to connect around their shared interest in land stewardship and to learn from one another.  Have you ever wondered how to attract bats to your yard? At this event, we will learn about Wisconsin’s unique bat species and the benefits they provide. We will learn how to properly site and install a bat house to increase your chances of bats taking up residence in your area. You will learn tips for planting a garden and improving your yard to create habitat for these amazing animals.

This event is hosted by Conservation Coach Christine Klessig at her lovely forested home where she is currently installing bat houses on recommended sites. She will be joined by Jennifer Summers, Outreach Specialist and Wisconsin Bat Ambassador with University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

This day will also involve networking time and a potluck lunch.

The day is co-sponsored by Women, Food, and Ag Network, USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Michael Fields Agricultural Institute.

WiWiC Host:

Christine Klessig

Christine has had the privilege of stewarding 127 acres of property in the Tomorrow River watershed for 40+ years. Numerous conservation projects have been carried out and she continues to write love letters to her land.  The most recent is a conservation plan involving the erection of bat houses!  Come join Christine to learn more about Wisconsin's fascinating brown bat population.

"A Conservation Plan is like a love letter to the land.  It says 'I cherish you. I respect you. I will take care of you.'"

Conservation Professional:

Jennifer L. Summers, Outreach Specialist and Wisconsin Bat Ambasador, Wisconsin Center for Wildllife, College of Natural Resources, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

Jennifer Summers has been studying, working with, and advocating for wildlife, especially bats, since she began formally studying wildlife ecology at UW-Stevens Point in 2010.  She earned her Bachelor and Master of Natural Resources Degree (Wildlife Ecology) from UW-Stevnes Point, and is now the Outreach Specialist for the Wisconsin Center for Wildlife (WCW) at UW-Stevens Point.  She has a passion for learning about wildlife. Through her work at the WCW, Jennifer enjoys teaching people about wildlife, and wildlife science, conservation, and management. When not working, Jennifer enjoys making wildlife-themed art (painting and drawing), hiking, birding, and reading.

 “The number one thing bats need is habitat. Anyone can make their yard bat-friendly.”

WiWiC Facilitators:

Dr. Rebecca Christoffel

Dr. Esther Durairaj

What To Expect:

• To network with other women in the area around shared dreams, challenges, and experiences of conservation.

• To learn about the WiWiC project and opportunities that exist for women landowners to access conservation practices

• To learn, talk, laugh and connect.

Event Details:

• Event is free to attend but registration is required and space is limited.

• Women, all who identify as such, are welcome to attend – from  landowners to farmers to conservationist enthusiasts –  whatever your background, from beginners to experts! 

• Our WiWiC events follow a Learning Circle model, with ample time and a safe space for story sharing, networking and collaborative learning. We all have something to both share and learn together.

• Dress for the weather.

• Please bring a chair.

• WiWiC is a family-friendly space and you are welcome to bring your children. 

• Restroom is available.

• Parking and Accessibility: Those with mobility issues can drive up into the yard and up to the house to disembark. There are two steps up into the house, with grab bars installed on each side. Those without mobility issues will be diverted via signage to park in the small hayfield adjacent to the garden.

  
  

Photos are taken at WiWiC events to help amplify the work being done by Wisconsin's women land stewards, and to help promote future events. Your registration grants consent for your photo to be taken and used for these purposes. If that isn't OK, please inform the facilitator at the beginning of the event.

About Wisconsin Women in Conservation

WiWiC s a state-wide collaborative effort led by the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute in partnership with state and federal conservation agencies, local organizations, and other farm advocacy groups. WiWiC brings together Wisconsin's women landowners, farmers, farm workers, urban growers, and conservation professionals to connect and share about conservation practices, resources, and funding opportunities.

About Michael Fields Agricultural Institute

MFAI is a non-profit organization that has been cultivating resiliency through research, education, and policy work since 1984. With a broad coalition of public and private partners, The Institute supports farmers, food systems and communities in the Upper Midwest and beyond through a range of programs and initiatives. We believe agriculture can sustain both human and ecosystem health, while advancing food security, independence, and justice. Follow along on Instagram and Facebook for the latest news and events.

About Women, Food and Ag Network

The Women, Food, and Agriculture Network is a gender-diverse national grassroots organization and network that amplifies our members' stories, resources, and expertise to harness our collective power and build a socially and ecologically just food system. We were founded following the 1995 UN World Conference on Women, and we’ve spent the last 30 years building capacity for change-making in agriculture across the Midwest and beyond. Our interconnectedness and steadfast solidarity strengthen our network. We use network infrastructure to share resources and center community learning. Additionally, we practice solidarity with aligned partner organizations, coalitions that we participate in, and the global farming and food justice community.