Post by L Roebuck on Aug 2, 2006 6:50:17 GMT -5
Scouts make bat houses
By BOB COUPLAND Tribune Chronicle
VIENNA — For his Eagle Scout project, James DeFrance is placing 70 bat houses around the township to help in combating mosquitoes while also helping to protect an endangered species of bat.
James DeFrance, 16, a member of Boy Scout Troop 81, came up with the idea for his project as a way to help the community in some way.
The bat houses were placed on poles, farms and homes in the community including the park in the township center.
Under DeFrance’s instruction and guidance, members of the troop made the bat houses which include an image of a black bat on them. The design and concept for the houses which can hold up to 50 bats in the house’s chamber was created by DeFrance.
The project was started last fall and completed in May.
DeFrance said one advantage of a bat house is for mosquito control since the nocturnal animals eat mosquitoes and other insect pests.
He said instructions on how to put up the houses were given with each bat house providing easy installation.
Scoutmaster Greg Booty said the bat houses were a ‘‘good environmental project’’ which helps raise awareness to how bats help the environment.
‘‘A lot of people don’t like bats, but they are good for the ecology,’’ Booty said.
DeFrance and Booty said the northeast Ohio area attracts the Indiana brown bat, which they said is endangered, as well as brown and black bats.
The bats hibernate in the winter, so having the bat houses by a home or barn help to keep it warm in the winter months during their hibernation, they said.
Booty said he has heard of blue bird houses being built for projects but never has there been a local Eagle Scout project on bat houses.
John DeFrance said his son knew there was a problem with mosquitoes and suggested the bat houses to help control the number of insects. The township also sprays for mosquitoes regularly.
Home Depot and Fagen’s Building Centers Lumber donated wood and hardware for the project.
The project received approval from the township trustees. DeFrance distributed bat houses to residents at a recent trustee meeting and also to members of the Vienna Neighborhood Watch.
DeFrance has been involved in Boy Scouts for six years and Cub Scouts four years. He will be a senior this fall at Mathews High School and plans to attend college for defense intelligence communication.
Article: www.tribune-chronicle.com/Community/articles.asp?articleID=6899
By BOB COUPLAND Tribune Chronicle
VIENNA — For his Eagle Scout project, James DeFrance is placing 70 bat houses around the township to help in combating mosquitoes while also helping to protect an endangered species of bat.
James DeFrance, 16, a member of Boy Scout Troop 81, came up with the idea for his project as a way to help the community in some way.
The bat houses were placed on poles, farms and homes in the community including the park in the township center.
Under DeFrance’s instruction and guidance, members of the troop made the bat houses which include an image of a black bat on them. The design and concept for the houses which can hold up to 50 bats in the house’s chamber was created by DeFrance.
The project was started last fall and completed in May.
DeFrance said one advantage of a bat house is for mosquito control since the nocturnal animals eat mosquitoes and other insect pests.
He said instructions on how to put up the houses were given with each bat house providing easy installation.
Scoutmaster Greg Booty said the bat houses were a ‘‘good environmental project’’ which helps raise awareness to how bats help the environment.
‘‘A lot of people don’t like bats, but they are good for the ecology,’’ Booty said.
DeFrance and Booty said the northeast Ohio area attracts the Indiana brown bat, which they said is endangered, as well as brown and black bats.
The bats hibernate in the winter, so having the bat houses by a home or barn help to keep it warm in the winter months during their hibernation, they said.
Booty said he has heard of blue bird houses being built for projects but never has there been a local Eagle Scout project on bat houses.
John DeFrance said his son knew there was a problem with mosquitoes and suggested the bat houses to help control the number of insects. The township also sprays for mosquitoes regularly.
Home Depot and Fagen’s Building Centers Lumber donated wood and hardware for the project.
The project received approval from the township trustees. DeFrance distributed bat houses to residents at a recent trustee meeting and also to members of the Vienna Neighborhood Watch.
DeFrance has been involved in Boy Scouts for six years and Cub Scouts four years. He will be a senior this fall at Mathews High School and plans to attend college for defense intelligence communication.
Article: www.tribune-chronicle.com/Community/articles.asp?articleID=6899