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Smithfield Dynamite Hill (“Going Bat “Crazy”)

Grant amount:

$3,040

Birmingham, Alabama

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.

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About YLACES:

Youth Learning as Citizen Environmental Scientists assists and rewards the implementation of inquiry-based, experiential science education where students do science and contribute to the understanding of our environment through recognition and financial reward programs.

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Grants range from equipment and supplies for taking environmental measurements to recognition and support for students presenting their research projects and working for pervasive inclusion of student research projects in science teaching. 

Notice of Non-Discrimination:

YLACES does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, marital status, source of income, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or retaliation in the administration of its programs or activities, as is required by applicable laws, regulations, and executive orders. It is the policy of YLACES to support organizations, projects, and programs that do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability or any other legally protected characteristics. YLACES does not knowingly award grants to organizations that discriminate in their hiring, those they accept as volunteers, or the clients they serve. YLACES seeks to accommodate all who need support to the maximum extent possible.

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YLACES is responsible for coordination of compliance efforts and receipt of inquiries concerning the non-discrimination requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; and other applicable federal non-discrimination laws, including, but not limited to, Section 13 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972 and 40 C.F.R. Part 7.

 

If you have any questions about this notice or any of YLACES’ nondiscrimination programs, policies, or procedures, you may contact:

Dixon Butler

President, Youth Learning as Citizen Environmental Scientists

1920 Quincy Street, NW

Washington, DC 20011

(202) 302-0302

dixon@ylaces.org

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© 2025 by Youth Learning As Citizen Environmental Scientists.

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