Eagle Scout’s bat-house project to decrease insect populations

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Haslett High School student Austin McCormick after presenting on Feb. 11, 2020 his bat-house project plan to the Meridian Township Park Commission meeting.

The Meridian Township Board voted unanimously to support an Eagle Scout’s project to install five bat houses, boxes designed to mirror a bat habitat mounted on a pole, house or other outdoor structure, throughout the community’s parks.

The brain behind the project is Austin McCormick, a member of Boy Scouts of America in Haslett’s Troop 97.

“Since Austin’s been born, he’s been a gift from God,” said his dad, Larry McCormick Sr.

When Austin was a child, doctors diagnosed him with autism.

His autism didn’t stop him from pursuing his goals, especially with his dad coaching him through each obstacle.

Outside of his Eagle Scout activities, Austin is also a member of Haslett High School’s band and wrestling team.

When it came to the logistics of Austin’s bat house project, McCormick Sr. helped him determine his project’s who, what, when, where, why and how.

“I met Austin about 10 years ago as a Tiger Cub, so I’ve been able to watch Austin’s development and growth over the years, and he is truly one of my favorite Scouts,” said Thomas Porter, his scoutmaster.

Austin, Porter and McCormick Sr. have been working closely with Parks and Land Management Coordinator Jane Greenway to select locations for the bat houses.

Austin put two and two together and decided he wanted to make the parks more enjoyable for his grandmother and other residents by decreasing the insect population.

“His niece and nephew play sports at the parks, and his grandmother doesn’t really enjoy coming out because of the bugs,” said McCormick Sr.

Bats can eat up to 1,200 insects per hour and can eat up to 70% of their body weight in insects.

Austin said his hope for the bat houses was to reduce the insect population in a discreet way.

After Austin collected donations to the troop for the bat houses, he presented his plans at a Meridian Township Park Commission meeting.

“Even before his presentation, I thought this was a really interesting project and very manageable,” said Mary Nardo-Farris, a newly appointed park commissioner.

Adult and Scout volunteers will be responsible for constructing and installing the bat houses on several park pavilions and light poles, but exact locations have not been determined.

“I know I’m in support of it because it’s very well described in writing and to the point,” said Michael McDonald, Meridian Township chair.

The bat houses will be constructed out of cedarwood and will house up to 100 bats.

Meridian Township Vice President Chair Amanda Lick said he thinks the public would benefit from learning about bats and bat houses.

The next Township Board Meeting will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 18, and the next Meridian Township Park Commission Meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 17.

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