Town’s Resident Bat Population Get New Nests At Animal Shelter

PORT WASHINGTON, NY — Visitors will now be greeted by a flagpole and some respite at North Hempstead Town’s Animal Shelter in Port Washington.

Yes, the town’s fuzzier residents — the local bat population — now have new bat boxes to nest in, thanks to a local Eagle Scout and his fellow Boy Scout troops.

For Jesse Ryan’s Eagle Scout project, he worked with his Boy Scout Troop 201 to help naturally reduce pests and insects, most notably mosquitoes, which can cause infections, by installing bat boxes. The long, wooden enclosures also helped to “beautify the grounds at the shelter,” according to a news release.

Ryan achieved his Eagle Scout rank, which is the highest achievement attainable with the Boy Scouts of America. His troop, troop 201, was chartered in 1973, and includes the Albertson, Searingtown, Williston Park, East Williston, and New Hyde Park areas.

Supervisor Judi Bosworth said the town’s officials are “appreciative of the dedication and commitment” shown by the scouts.

“Volunteering to give back is the cornerstone of being a good citizen, and we sincerely thank Jesse and Troop 201 for their work on this project,” she added.