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09/12/2023

Bat Appreciation Day to Be Held at Old New-Gate Prison and Copper Mine on Sunday, Sept. 17

Celebrate History and Bats at a Fun-filled Event for Families

(HARTFORD) — Join the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Wildlife Division and the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) for a celebration of bat conservation at the Old New-Gate Prison and Copper Mine in East Granby on Sunday, September 17, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. To raise awareness of the plight of bats and their importance to our ecosystem and our economy, the DEEP Wildlife Division and DECD Office of Culture and Tourism have joined forces to host the seventh annual Bat Appreciation Day.

This event takes place at one of Connecticut’s most intriguing historical sites and highlights its importance to the conservation of endangered species. Old New-Gate Prison and Copper Mine is our nation’s oldest state prison, opening 250 years ago in 1773. It was also the first operating copper mine in the North American colonies. Today, it is not just an amazing cultural resource – its underground tunnels are the winter home of several state endangered bat species.

The bats of Old New-Gate Prison and Copper Mine are considered “cave bats” because they spend the winter underground. Cave bats are affected by the disease known as white-nose syndrome (WNS). In less than 16 years since its initial detection in New York, WNS has killed millions of bats throughout the Northeast, has spread to at least 40 states and eight Canadian provinces, and is suspected to be in an additional three states and two Canadian provinces.

The day will feature bat activities for the whole family and include exhibits, bat story time, historical tales, the unique opportunity to sneak a peek at the “bat cave,” bat crafts for kids, a chance to win a fun door prize, and a chance to see a live bat up close.

“We are excited to be partnering with DEEP,” said Morgan Bengel, site manager of Old New-Gate. “Bat Appreciation Day is a great opportunity to showcase our facility and connect people with the cultural and natural history here.”

“This is a great chance to learn the remarkable history of Old New-Gate Prison and view it through the lens of the state-endangered bats that depend on it as their winter home,” said Jenny Dickson, DEEP Wildlife Division Director. “Little brown, tri-colored, and northern long-eared bats have all used this site to hibernate during the winter months. DECD and DEEP have worked together to protect this unique site while celebrating its history for visitors. We are looking forward to telling the story of the bats, and the importance of conservation efforts to protect this critically important species.”

For more information on Bat Appreciation Day and directions to Old New-Gate Prison and Copper Mine visit: https://portal.ct.gov/DECD/Content/Historic-Preservation/04_State_Museums/Old-Newgate-Prison-and-Copper-Mine. To learn more about bats across Connecticut, visit the DEEP website at https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Wildlife/Learn-About-Wildlife/Bats-in-Connecticut.

Old New Gate Drone

Bat Appreciation Day, scheduled for September 17, 2023, at the Old New-Gate Prison and Copper Mine in East Granby, will treat visitors to the story of one of Connecticut’s most intriguing historical sites and its importance to the conservation of endangered species.

Photo credit: Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development

Storytime at Bat Day

Kids can learn about bats from a variety of picture books during Storytime at Bat Appreciation Day at Old New-Gate Prison and Copper Mine.

Photo credit: CT DEEP 
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DEEP Communications  
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110