Attention nature lovers, families, educators, homeschool groups, and anyone interested in wildlife conservation! Bats are a protected species, and local populations are declining due to White-nose Syndrome. This class is your chance to take action and help them survive.

In this session, Jacob Richards, Park Interpreter at Jacksonport State Park, will lead an engaging and hands-on community education program all about bats. You’ll discover fascinating facts about two of our area’s most prominent species — the Little Brown Bat and the Big Brown Bat. Learn about their unique adaptations, what they eat, how they benefit our environment, and ways to help protect them.

After the presentation, roll up your sleeves and help assemble bat boxes that will be installed in downtown Batesville. Building these shelters is not only fun, but also a meaningful way to support local bat populations. All materials will be provided, and participants will have the chance to take part in a giveaway for a completed bat box!

This class is offered in partnership with the Independence County Library and made possible by the generosity of The Home Depot.

Youth Participants

Children are welcome to join this fun and informative class, but they must be accompanied by an adult.

Meet Our Instructor

Jacob Richards is a Certified Interpretive Guide and Park Interpreter at Jacksonport State Park. He earned his Certificate of Interpretive Guiding from the National Association for Interpretation and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Williams Baptist University. Now in his second season of interpretation, Jacob is passionate about inspiring others with the park’s rich history, diverse wildlife, and natural beauty.

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Join us for this free, in-person Hunter Education class sponsored by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC). The course takes place on Saturday, October 4, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Arkansas law requires anyone born after 1968 to complete an approved hunter education course before purchasing a hunting license. Youth under 16 may hunt without certification if supervised by an adult (age 21 or older), but completing this course is strongly encouraged.

There is no minimum age to enroll, but the course material is written at a sixth-grade reading level.

Upon successful completion, students will receive their official Arkansas Hunter Education card.

If you have questions, please call 870-612-2082. Registration online via the AGFC website is required.