Hands in the earth, eyes on the sky: volunteers and experts join forces to protect endangered bats at a Creatures of the Night Ecological Summit
(Bowie, AZ) Nighttime pollinators such as bats, moths and beetles are vital to desert ecosystems but face increasing threats from light pollution, habitat loss and invasive species. Climate change disrupts flowering cycles and drought reduces nectar availability, while pesticides and human disturbance further weaken the habits of these species. For the endangered Mexican long-nosed bat, the loss of agave and migratory corridors is especially critical. Protecting these pollinators means protecting the intricate web of life that sustains desert biodiversity.
What can be done?
From September 22nd to 27th, 2025, this year's 3rd Annual Desert Ecology Summit will bring together community volunteers, scientists and conservationists for a powerful, hands-on effort to protect the endangered Mexican long-nosed bat (Leptonycteris nivalis), a keystone nighttime pollinator recently confirmed in Southeast Arizona by Citizen Scientists, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Bat Conservation International.
Three Arizona nonprofits are providing a free residential volunteer opportunity at Diamond Mountain Retreat Center 2 hours east of Tucson in the beautiful foothills of the Chiricahua Mountains for hands-on ecological restoration in the field. They will also host daily educational presentations by experts, discussing steps you can take in your own backyard to enhance animal habitats.
Summit volunteers will plant 160 agave plants—the bat's primary nectar source—creating a dedicated "bat garden" designed to nourish and sustain their migratory needs, as well as establish a focus for education and ecological habitat advocacy and conservancy. The agaves are generously provided by Borderlands Restoration Network and Bat Conservation International, longtime desert allies in native plant propagation and wildlife conservation.
The summit will also feature a compelling speaker series, with daily presentations from guest scientists and conservationists on topics such as bat biology, nocturnal pollinators, desert night life, and the critical habitats including dark sky, that these species depend on to survive.
Two evening programs will feature a bat talk timed with their emergence from a nearby cave, and stargazing with an astronomer who will share how nocturnal creatures rely on starlight for navigation and pollination.
They will also host daily educational presentations by experts, discussing steps you can take in your own backyard to combat climate change and enhance animal habitats.
"The Mexican long-nosed bat is a vital part of the desert's nocturnal web of life," said Kat Ehrhorn, SkyHarvest's Executive Director and an ecological advocate at Diamond Mountain's 1,000-acre property at the foothills of the Chiricahua Mountains in Cochise County. "By cultivating an important food source, we're not just helping one species—we're contributing to the entire health of the desert ecosystem."
Diamond Mountain will provide healthy vegetarian meals and lodging, with yoga and meditation sessions for an added layer of personal restoration. To see the speaker list and full schedule, register through Diamond Mountain at DiamondMountain.org
Gain new knowledge, apply what you learn and make a tangible impact on the health of habitat. Join us in honoring the wild rhythms of the desert and giving back to the pollinators who work while we sleep.
