JONESBORO – In recognition of Bat Week, the Shawnee National Forest is hosting “Get Batty,” a free, family event held at the Lincoln Memorial Picnic Grounds in Jonesboro on Friday, Oct. 25 from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Bat Week is an international celebration of the role of bats in nature. While bats contribute to seed dispersal and plant pollination around the world, in Illinois bats play a crucial role in controlling insects.

Enjoy an evening outdoors with friends and family, visiting a variety of bat stations. Kids can practice their skill as a wildlife biologist at the “bat cave” and see the tools used in monitoring bats. They will become bats “flying” around in a game of foraging, make a craft and much more. Learn how we all can support our night flying neighbors.

All ages are welcome.

For more information, please call the Shawnee National Forest Mississippi Bluffs Ranger Station at 618-833-8576.