Rindge Conservation Commission invites the public to its family-friendly Bat Watch Hike on Sunday, October 19, 3:30 p.m. at Miriam Hunt Memorial Forest on NH Route 119. The hike continues the Commission’s recognition of Bat Appreciation Month and will highlight habitats and activities of bats in the fall season. The event is free, open to the public, and offers a chance to observe this often misunderstood and largely beneficial mammal.

Miriam Hunt Memorial Forest has wide grassy trails through a mixed forest with views across a wetland. The hike begins at the parking area off NH Route 119 diagonally across from Cutter Hill Road (approximately 2 ½ miles east of the intersection of NH Route 119 and US Route 202). The outdoor event follows a presentation on the “The Bats of NH” offered on October 13. Attending the talk is not required for you to enjoy the hike. Franklin Pierce Professor Fred Rogers will be leading the Bat Watch Hike.

According to Rogers, “Rindge has many areas with habitat that support our native bat population. Bats fly and hunt together in September and October, storing food as body fat, which their bodies will use during the cold months ahead. If we are lucky, we will see some bats overhead eating insects as we reach the clearings and wetlands.” One bat can consume the equivalent of 1,500 mosquitos in a single evening. Rogers adds, “Bats eliminate mosquitos for free. I would like to see more bat houses and fewer people spraying harmful chemicals.”

Bat Conservation International sponsors Bat Appreciation Month, described as a month-long celebration of Bat Week (October 24 – 31, 2025.) Their purpose is to highlight the importance of bats and the ongoing conservation efforts needed to protect these incredible mammals. You can learn more about bats and Bat Appreciation Month at www,batcon.org.

The Rindge Conservation Commission actively monitors and protects wetlands, lakeshores, watersheds, and other natural resources within the Town of Rindge. Hikes, workdays, and events are held regularly to involve and educate the public about conservation areas and benefits of preserving land for the future. Town-owned conservation lands are open daily to the public for outdoor recreation.

If you would like more information about the Rindge Conservation Commission or upcoming events, please email rindgeconcom@rindgenh.gov.