The nonprofit, Arc of Appalachia, is hosting the internationally- recognized author, photographer, conservationist, and bat researcher, Dr. Merlin Tuttle. Tuttle is coming to Bainbridge, Ohio to give two educational presentations for the public on Saturday, April 15, 2023: an afternoon program designed especially for youths, and an evening presentation for all ages.

Dr. Tuttle is an engaging speaker and transformative educator who is responsible for conserving many at-risk bat species across the planet. He has dedicated over 60 years of his life to studying, protecting, and successfully promoting a positive image of bats all over the world through his outstanding advocacy. Tuttle’s program will showcase some of his most spectacular photos, demonstrating the mouth-dropping diversity of bats across the planet and the vital role they play in our world’s natural communities. Tickets are on sale now for the program, which will be held at the historic Paxton Theatre in downtown Bainbridge, OH.

Dr. Tuttle’s program coincides with the Arc of Appalachia’s 16th annual Wildflower Pilgrimage event, a popular weekend-long public event that attracts over 150 participants and leads them to some of the finest wildflower destinations in not only Ohio, but in the Eastern United States. The Highlands Nature Sanctuary – the hub of the Pilgrimage – is the Arc’s oldest and largest nature preserve. It is also home to the second densest cave region in our state, and is also the only place in Ohio where bats are still able to hibernate in natural limestone caves.

Although bats play an important role in our ecosystem, consuming thousands of crop-eating insect species each night, they are often misunderstood by the public. Habitat loss and purposeful damage to their hibernating, hunting, and roosting grounds have had devastating impacts on their population numbers. Cave bats, which are also highly susceptible to a deadly disease known as white-nose syndrome, have suffered the greatest losses. All six of Ohio’s cave bat species are state-listed as species of concern or endangered. The loss of Ohio’s bat species would have devastating consequences on the environment and the economy of our local agricultural communities, and thus the need for public education and engagement in bat conservation has never been greater.

Following the afternoon program, the Arc is hosting a free book signing and meet and greet with Dr. Tuttle at the nearby Appalachian Forest Museum. Participants are encouraged to purchase their books in advance.

Adults: $15.00
Children 6 & older: $10.00

Registration: https://arcofappalachia.org/merlin-tuttle-presentation/

Address: Paxton Theatre, 133 E Main St, Bainbridge, OH 45612

Appalachian Forest Museum, 7660 Cave Road, Bainbridge, OH 45612