The Weeki Wachee River is an invaluable feature in Hernando County, driving tourism, employment, and renowned for its waterways as a prime recreational destination in addition to being a first magnitude Outstanding Florida Spring. Join us for the Weeki Wachee River Summit on Friday, May 3, 2024, from 9 am—1:30… Read More
The Little Mermaid Jr. is a stage musical based on the animated 1989 Disney film of the same name and the classic story of the same name by Hans Christian Andersen about a mermaid who dreams of the world above the sea and gives up her voice to find love. Read More
The Spring Lake Memorial Classic is held on Florida’s toughest, most scenic racecourse in scenic eastern Hernando County, Florida. But don’t let the majestic trees and peaceful setting fool you – these are some of the toughest hills in Florida! All three courses take participants along shade tree-draped roads and… Read More
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Due to popular demand, the Friends of Fort Cooper will again feature a special program with observation of Florida’s bats on Friday, January 19, 2024, at Fort Cooper State Park, 3100 S. Old Floral City Road in Inverness.
Thanks to a Boy Scout Eagle project, Fort Cooper has a huge bat house that now has thousands of inhabitants.
The presentation will be given by Shari Blissett-Clark, president, Florida Bat Conservancy www.floridabats.org and board member of Bat Belfrys Inc., dedicated to conserving Florida’s bats!
Visitors will start the evening in Fort Cooper’s Rec Hall with a social at 4:50 p.m. followed by a 5:00 p.m. presentation by Ms. Blissett-Clark.
Join the Florida Bat Conservancy for a colorful introduction to the bats that fly through Florida’s yards and neighborhoods every night. Learn fascinating bat facts and discover the environmental and economic value of these important mammals.
Finally, we will discuss simple steps anyone can take to encourage bat activity in their yard.
Live Florida bats will accompany the program.
Following her presentation and any questions and answers, attendees will take a short hike to Fort Cooper State Park’s Bat House to witness the swarm of bats exiting their house at sundown. It is advised that walkers wear sneakers or close-toed shoes. It’s truly a remarkable sight!
Florida’s bats are the primary predators of night-flying insects, consuming millions of bugs each night. Even a small colony of just 100 bats can eat up to 200,000 insects in a single night or 65 million insect pests each year!
It is estimated that over 5,000 bats are residing in Fort Cooper’s Bat House. Pesticide-free, cost-free insect control!
Seating in the Rec Hall is very limited. Please reserve by calling the park office at (352) 726-0315.
The walk to the bat house is at 5:45 and all minors must be accompanied by an adult to participate.
There is a $3 per car state park entrance fee. The presentation is free.
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