Bats in the Belfry

McKee Botanical Garden recently announced an exciting new partnership with Lubee Bat Conservancy, the only U.S.-based organization dedicated exclusively to saving bats, conserving ecosystems, and inspiring stewardship worldwide. Together, the two organizations are working to protect Florida’s native bat populations and raise awareness about their critical role in maintaining healthy environments.

As part of this collaboration, McKee has installed a Lubee-designed bat house—affectionately named “The Belfry”—to provide a safe roosting site for hundreds of local bats. In addition to offering a new home for species such as Mexican Free-tailed bats, Evening bats, Southeastern Myotis, and the Critically Endangered Florida Bonneted bat, The Belfry will serve as a focal point for workshops and educational programs. These initiatives will help members and visitors understand the important role bats play in pest control, pollination, and overall ecosystem health.

Mexican Free-tailed Bat: photo by Ron Groves

“Bats are among the most misunderstood and undervalued creatures in the natural world,” said Rochelle Wolberg, Executive Director of McKee Botanical Garden. “Through our partnership with Lubee Bat Conservancy, we are not only giving them a home but also giving our community the knowledge to see bats as allies in conservation.”

Bats are the primary predators of night-flying insects, consuming hundreds of mosquitoes and agricultural pests each night. With more than 1,421 known species worldwide—making up nearly 20% of all mammal species—bats are vital to biodiversity. Unfortunately, bat populations are declining at alarming rates due to habitat loss and persecution. Bat houses provide an effective, sustainable solution by offering safe alternatives to roosts lost in mature forests, caves, or snags.

Lubee’s Director, Brian Pope, added: “We are thrilled to see McKee Botanical Garden leading by example. Bat houses like The Belfry not only safeguard bats but also help people by naturally reducing insects in the area. Anyone can join this movement by installing a Lubee bat house on their property.”

Residents and businesses are encouraged to consider adding bat houses to their landscapes. By doing so, they will provide crucial roosting sites for local bat populations and enjoy the natural benefit of insect control.

For more information on McKee Botanical Garden’s conservation efforts and upcoming educational programs related to bats, please visit www.mckeegarden.org or contact Diane Robaina, Director of Education, drobaina@mckeegarden.org

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About McKee Botanical Garden

McKee Botanical Garden is an award-winning, 18-acre tropical sanctuary in Vero Beach, FL, dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of Florida’s native landscapes, the display of rare and exotic plants, and the enrichment of community through education, culture, and conservation.

About Lubee Bat Conservancy

Located in Gainesville, FL, Lubee Bat Conservancy is the only non-profit in the United States focused solely on bats. Its mission is to save bats and their habitats through education, conservation, and research, while inspiring people to become stewards of the natural world.