We are excited to announce that the Township of Langley has committed to the conservation of local bat species and has successfully met all the criteria to become a certified Bat-Friendly Community! Mayor Eric Woodward welcomed Terri-Lou and Ron Trainer, Certified BC Bat Ambassadors, at City Hall as the Township of Langley was officially recognized as a Bat-Friendly Community by the Community Bat Programs of BC.
The recognition celebrates the Township’s leadership in protecting bat habitat, supporting biodiversity, installing bat boxes in local parks, celebrating education about bats, and shows the community’s strong commitment to environmental stewardship for today and future generations.
“Bats are a vital part of our local ecosystem, and this certification reflects the Township’s ongoing commitment to protecting our biodiversity,” said Eric Woodward, Mayor, Township of Langley. “By creating bat-friendly spaces in our parks, we’re taking meaningful steps to support ecological resilience for generations to come. We’re proud to join the growing network of Bat-Friendly Communities across BC.”
Utilizing the help and knowledge of the Langley Field Naturalists, the Township has been working diligently to create bat habitat by installing and monitoring bat boxes (like those in Doubleday Arboretum and Old Yale Park) to provide local bats with safe and appropriate roosts. They have also committed to promoting bat education through community outreach like Bat Walks and also by providing relevant information on bats to the community, homeowners, and local businesses that may encounter bats.
All bats in British Columbia are insect-eating and play an important role as natural pest controllers. Benefitting agriculture, parks, and residential areas. Residents can help by reducing pesticide use, limiting outdoor lighting, planting native flowers that attract insects, and by protecting natural wildlife habitat.
Learn more about the TOL bat initiative; Wildlife and Pest Control – Township of Langley