Smithfield Dynamite Hill (“Going Bat “Crazy”)

This summer a team of nine youth community scientists aged 15 to 18 will take water, soil, and air quality measurements within the historic Smithfield Community of Birmingham, Alabama. These measurements will be used to determine if the area is an ideal or detrimental habitat for bat populations. The data collected will be compared to data collected in other areas with successful bat populations in Birmingham. The data collected will be submitted to a worldwide database, iNaturalist, to contribute to further research on bats. Furthermore, the data will be submitted to two local bat conservation groups who work diligently to preserve the population of bats in the Birmingham area.
Students will formulate a scientific research project in which they will present and answer research questions centered on the ecology of bats and what role the current conditions in Historic Smithfield play in keeping a healthy bat population in this community. Moreover, student community scientists will learn to use data to extrapolate how these same factors affecting bat populations may also affect people and communities.
YLACES will supply air monitors, soil test kits, macroinvertebrate testing equipment, pH test strips, insect traps, and construction materials for a bat house and bug hotel.