Organization for Bat Conservation Acquires Mine Full of Rare Bats

(Organization for Bat Conservation, Aug. 30, 2017)

Pontiac, MI – On August 30, 2017, the Organization for Bat Conservation, located in Pontiac, acquired the mineral rights for the Magazine Mine in southern Illinois, with the goal of continuing the education and environmental study of bat populations in their natural habitat.

“The Magazine Mine is home to one of the largest endangered Indiana Bat hibernacula in the United States,” said Rob Mies, Executive Director of the Organization for Bat Conservation. “The Organization for Bat Conservation is proud and excited to be partnering with Uninim in order to protect this rare and awe-inspiring gathering of bats.”

The Magazine Mine is suspected to be one of only two silica mines that may offer safe havens for bats suffering from White-nose Syndrome, due to its superior ventilation and dryness. It has been closed and gated for years by order of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, under protection from the Endangered Species Act.

The transfer of the Magazine Mine is a huge step in protecting the rare and endangered Indiana Bat. OBC is proud to partner with Uninim in this endeavor, and excited to see what secrets the mine may hold for the future of bat research.”

About Us:

Our mission has always been to educate people about bats and inspire them to become actively involved in conservation. We were founded in 1992 in Michigan with a small team offering live bat programs to schools, nature centers and museums. Co-founder and Executive Director, Rob Mies, has been featured on national television shows, spoken at leading conferences, and written many books on the subject of bats.

In September 2014, OBC launched its national #SavetheBats campaign, which was designed to mobilize millions of Americans to become even more involved in bat conservation. Now, in 2017, our headquarters has moved to an expanded facility located in Pontiac, Michigan!

Learn more at: www.batconservation.org.