The Mattapoisett Land Trust invites the public to join its members and friends on Saturday, May 19, for a lecture entitled “The Unexpected and Sudden Decline of Massachusetts Bats” by Dr. Tom French, Director of the Commonwealth’s Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program. Dr. French will describe his research into White Nose Syndrome, its effects on both the bat population and the environment of the SouthCoast, and what we can do to help protect these threatened mammals.
Formerly a zoologist with the Nature Conservancy and a field biologist with the National Audubon Society, since 1984 Dr. French has been an Assistant Director of the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. After White Nose Syndrome was first described in 2006-2007, he has conducted significant research into the nature of the disease and what can be done to prevent its spread.
The lecture will take place at the Friends’ Meeting House on Marion Road (Route 6) in Mattapoisett beginning at 1:00 pm. The presentation is part to the Land Trust’s annual meeting and will follow a potluck lunch at noon to which the public is also invited.
For more information about the presentation contact the Mattapoisett Land Trust at info@mattlandtrust.org or leave a message at 774-377-9191.