Foothills Speaker Series Presents: Arizona’s Bats

FOR RELEASE October 1st, 2026

Foothills Speaker Series Presents: Arizona’s Bats

CAVE CREEK, AZ – Hally Cokenias, co-founder of Arizona Bat Rescue, will discuss the biology, ecology, and rehabilitation of Arizona's wild bats at "Saving Arizona's Bats," the next installment of the Foothills Speaker Series, a joint effort of Desert Foothills Land Trust and the Holland Center. The talk is set for Monday, November 2, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Holland Center.

Drawing on years of experience rehabilitating Arizona's bats, Cokenias will offer an introduction to these animals: why they matter to the desert ecosystem, the threats they face, and the work underway to protect them. Attendees will learn the basics of bat biology and behavior, along with the role bats play in the Sonoran Desert, from pollinating native plants to keeping insect populations in check. Cokenias will also speak to the growing challenges facing bat populations in Arizona and what her work at Arizona Bat Rescue looks like on the ground, from responding to calls about injured or displaced bats to caring for them through recovery.

"Bats are among our most important yet misunderstood wildlife neighbors," said Cokenias. "Once people understand how bats actually behave and what they do for the desert, a lot of the fear around them starts to fall away."

This event is part of the Foothills Speaker Series, an ongoing free lecture series that connects community members with the natural and cultural heritage of their Sonoran Desert home. The series brings together experts from across the Southwest to share knowledge about desert ecology, conservation, and the natural world.

The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required due to limited seating. For more information and to register, visit dflt.org/speakerseries.

Event Details:
• What: Foothills Speaker Series: Arizona’s Bats
• When: Monday, November 2, 6:00 p.m.
• Where: Holland Center, 34250 N 60th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85266
• Register: Free and open to the public, registration is required. Visit dflt.org/speakerseries

The Holland Center enriches the Desert Foothills community by celebrating arts and culture, treasuring our desert environment, assisting those in need, and encouraging lifelong learning. The Center provides support, opportunity, and connection for area residents through diverse programs including intriguing classes, fine arts exhibits, community theatre, and more. Through these offerings, the Holland Center aims to foster a vibrant, engaged community in the Desert Foothills area.

Desert Foothills Land Trust connects people to nature by working with communities and partners to conserve and steward sensitive lands and species for the survival of our Sonoran Desert. Operating in communities across the North Valley, this nonprofit has conserved 1,100 acres across 31 preserves, many open for public exploration. Re-accredited in 2022 by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, the organization continues its vital work protecting the region's unique desert landscapes, balancing conservation with community needs in rapidly developing areas.

Media Contact:
Rachel Stringham, Director of Community Engagement, Desert Foothills Land Trust
rstringham@dflt.org, 480-488-6131 x 201