Press Releases
09/09/2024
Bat Appreciation Day to Be Held at Old New-Gate Prison and Copper Mine on Sept. 15
Celebrate History and Bats at a Fun-filled Event for All Ages
(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 15, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This event helps raise awareness about the story of one of Connecticut’s most intriguing historical sites and its importance to the conservation of endangered species.
Old New-Gate Prison and Copper Mine is our nation’s oldest state prison. 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 the 18 years since its initial detection in New York, WNS has killed millions of bats throughout the Northeast and has spread to at least 40 states and nine Canadian provinces and is suspected to be present in an additional three U.S. states and two Canadian provinces.
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 eighth annual Bat Appreciation Day. 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 free entry for a chance to win a fun door prize, and more.
“We are delighted to be partnering with the DECD Office of Culture and Tourism to protect vulnerable bat populations, as well as our state’s cultural resources,” said Katie Dykes, DEEP Commissioner. “This annual event brings people together to learn about the importance of bats, along with some fascinating Connecticut history.”
“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 closely together to protect this unique site and we are looking forward to telling its history, the story of the bats, and the importance of both for conservation efforts in the future.”
For more information on Bat Appreciation Day, go to https://portal.ct.gov/deep/wildlife/wild-activities/bat-appreciation-day-at-old-new-gate-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.
Suggested caption: Bat Appreciation Day, scheduled for September 15, 2024, at the Old New-Gate Prison and Copper Mine in East Granby, will create awareness about 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
Suggested caption: 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 Wildlife Division
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Contact
DEEP Communications
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110