Bat Wonder Spots

Bat Explorations at the Arnold Arboretum

Discover, Wonder, Have Fun!

Wonder Spots give Arboretum families an opportunity to explore the landscape through seasonal investigations about the natural world. Learn about the different bat species found throughout the Arboretum and how the bats interact with the environment.

Bats are often misunderstood creatures. For each Bat Wonder Spot you find, prepare to participate in some bat myth busting!


There are nine bats species in Massachusetts and six of them have been found on the grounds.

Use the map to find all six Bat Wonder Spots!

Use the "Find my Location" button to see where you are on the map.


Bat Research at the Arboretum

Summer 2022

An acoustic range monitor is set up to record birds, amphibians, and other mammals in addition to ultrasonic monitors throughout the landscape of Arnold Arboretum

Christina DeJoseph is a graduate student in the Master of Science in Conservation Medicine program at Tufts University who is driven by an intense appreciation for and fascination with the natural world. The Arnold Arboretum’s Sinnott Research Award allowed Christina and her mentor to conduct landscape acoustic research with an emphasis on bat species diversity and biodiversity of urban micro-habitats. The research project is a continuation of the long-term monitoring of decreased bat populations throughout Massachusetts. The research team set up ultrasonic and acoustic range monitors in eight habitats throughout the arboretum. The ultrasonic monitors capture bat sounds while the acoustic range monitors record birds, amphibians, and other mammals. Christina is analyzing the data to better understand the diversity of species throughout the urban landscape. Her team strives to make science accessible and is excited to engage community members in bat walks to conduct live acoustic monitoring. Christina is passionate about asking big picture questions regarding biodiversity and climate change, while considering intricate details about behavior and physiology–this combination is what inspires her love for bioacoustics. Christina envisions a world that sounds healthier for all living organisms.


Summer 2021

Bat recorder set up within the wetlands at the Arnold Arboretum. The microphone is at the top of the 16 ft pole with the recorder attached to a fallen tree on the right.

Vanessa Indeglia is a student at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University who is working towards getting a doctorate in veterinary medicine and masters in public health. After winning the Arboretum’s Sinnott Research Award, in the summer of 2021, Vanessa and her mentors conducted bat acoustic research throughout the landscape. Due to decline of bat populations over the years, there is a lack of baseline data on bat populations nationwide. By collecting bat calls (acoustic surveying), Vanessa helped contribute to long term monitoring of bat populations in four Massachusetts locations (Westford, Carlisle, North Grafton, and Boston). At the Arboretum, recorders were placed in various locations on the grounds with a microphone collecting ultrasonic calls from bats as they flew over at night. Using a recording device that connects to a smartphone, the research team conducted walking surveying at the Arboretum at night to identify bat species in real time. From this data, Vanessa identified bat species present on the grounds to create bat walking routes for the public and educational tools for the families visiting the Arboretum.


Still curious about bats? Use the following links below to learn more about bat encounters, diseases, and their role in human health!

An acoustic range monitor is set up to record birds, amphibians, and other mammals in addition to ultrasonic monitors throughout the landscape of Arnold Arboretum

Bat recorder set up within the wetlands at the Arnold Arboretum. The microphone is at the top of the 16 ft pole with the recorder attached to a fallen tree on the right.