The Deschutes National Forest, in partnership with the nonprofit Discover Your Northwest, is inviting Bend families to a free, bat‑focused celebration on Saturday, Oct. 24. The event, called “Batacular,” will run from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the forest headquarters located at 63095 Deschutes Market Road.
What to Expect
Attendees can explore a variety of hands‑on activities designed to teach children and adults about the importance of bats to our ecosystems. Interactive games, craft stations and educational displays will highlight bat biology, habitat needs and the role these nocturnal mammals play in pest control and pollination.
Costumes are encouraged, adding a festive Halloween spirit to the morning. The event is open to the public and admission is free, making it an accessible way for families to learn together while enjoying the natural beauty of the Deschutes National Forest.
Why Bat Week Matters
Bat Week is an annual international campaign that runs from Oct. 24 through Oct. 31. It aims to raise awareness for bat conservation and to counter myths that often surround these misunderstood creatures. The campaign is supported by a coalition of government agencies and conservation groups, including the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bat Conservation International, the Organization for Bat Conservation, The Save Lucy Campaign and Wildlife Acoustics.
About the Organizers
Discover Your Northwest, a Seattle‑based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1974, funds educational programs and public‑land initiatives across Oregon, Washington, northern California, Idaho and Montana. Their mission is to connect people with the natural world through experiential learning and stewardship projects.
The Deschutes National Forest, managed by the U.S. Forest Service, provides a scenic backdrop for the event and serves as a hub for outdoor recreation and environmental education throughout Central Oregon.
Community Impact
By bringing Bat Week to Bend, the organizers hope to inspire local residents to support bat habitat protection and to foster a sense of stewardship for the region’s wildlife. The event also offers an opportunity for local schools, youth groups and families to engage with scientists and conservation professionals in a relaxed, outdoor setting.
For more information about Bat Week activities nationwide, visit the official Bat Week website or contact Discover Your Northwest directly.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
