(Okoboji)--Teens are invited to learn about Iowa’s bats and help build bat houses during WILD Roots: Bat House Building on Monday, November 9th from 6-8 p.m. at the Dickinson County Nature Center.

Participants will learn about the issues that bats are facing, explore bat species found in Iowa, and put their skills to work building bat houses. WILD Roots offers teens an opportunity to develop outdoor skills, build friendships and get involved in conservation.

The bat houses will be installed on various county properties to provide safe roosting structures and encourage bat populations. Bats are natural pest controllers, consuming hundreds to thousands of small insects, like mosquitoes, per hour.

WILD Roots is open to teens 13-18 years old at no cost and requires registration. To register, visit the Programs/Events list at www.dickinsoncountyconservationboard.com.