Lubee Bat Conservancy is planning to host its 8th Annual Florida Bat Festival in Gainesville on October 27th, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. This unique event will provide a rare opportunity for the general public and wildlife lovers to visit a working research and conservation center to see some of the largest species of bat face-to-face. This is the only day of the year when the center is open to the public, and is expected to draw some 5,000 people from Gainesville and beyond. The conservancy, a non-profit organization, houses the largest collection of fruit bats in the world, and works with global conservation partners to protect at-risk species of bats. Efforts are focused on plant-visiting “fruit and nectar” bats, because they are vulnerable to extinction yet vital to the world’s rainforests and deserts, and to the economies of developing countries. By protecting these bats, Lubee works to conserve more than 145 genera of plants that depend on bats for pollination and seed dispersal; the countless organisms that depend on those plants for food and shelter; and ultimately all people that depend on healthy ecosystems. This year Lubee will also be partnering with the 2011-2012 Year of the Bat Initiative to help raise awareness about bats world-wide. The festival will be held on the grounds of the conservancy, a 110-acre ranch, located at 1309 N.W. 192nd Avenue in Gainesville, FL. This free festival offers exciting opportunities for the whole family. Whether you are viewing live fruit bats, sitting in on an education presentation, or visiting a vendor’s booth, the festival offers relaxation and recreation. Each year this event features free activities, including bat-themed crafts and games for kids, educational exhibits, presentations by bat experts, and the unique opportunity to see live fruit bats with 5 ft wingspans on exhibit in our Bat Zone. Local vendors will be spread across the beautiful grounds of the conservancy selling food and beverages, providing local environmental educational information, and selling batty merchandise. Proceeds from the festival will be used to fund education and awareness programs for schools, libraries, scouting troops, and wildlife and conservation groups to promote awareness about the benefits bats provide. For further information, or to sign up for our newsletter please visit our website: http://www.lubee.org