We’re proud to share a special story of service and environmental stewardship that took place right here at the Gandy Civic Center. Girl Scouts Hailey Irvan and Jude Whittelsey of Troop 31900 recently completed their “Outdoor Journey” to Summit by installing a bat house on the backside of our building—a thoughtful and lasting contribution to both the community and the local ecosystem.

This project is particularly meaningful because the Gandy Civic Center is where Hailey and Jude first became involved in Girl Scouts, attending troop meetings in our very own space. By returning to the place where their journey began, they’ve brought their experience full circle, choosing to give back through a project that benefits not only the center but also the environment around it.

The location of the bat house—adjacent to the Community SOGarden—couldn't be more fitting. Bats are vital to healthy ecosystems: they help control mosquito and other pest populations naturally, reducing the need for chemical pesticides. They also play a role in pollination and seed dispersal. By providing a safe roosting site, this bat house supports local biodiversity and helps protect the thriving plant life in the community garden.

We are thrilled to see young leaders like Hailey and Jude taking initiative and inspiring others through their commitment to conservation and community. A big thank-you to Girl Scout Troop 31900 for this inspiring project and for continuing to make the Gandy Civic Center a hub of learning, growth, and giving back.

• One bat can eat up to 1,000 mosquitoes in a single hour! This makes them natural and effective pest control—great for keeping the garden and community gatherings mosquito-free.
   
• Bats are pollinators too! Some species of bats help pollinate plants and spread seeds, making them crucial to plant diversity and food production.
   
• Bats are clean and shy by nature. They groom themselves regularly and prefer to stay away from people. Their reputation is far worse than the reality!
   
• Bat populations are declining. Habitat loss, pesticides, and disease threaten many bat species. Bat houses help provide safe spaces for them to thrive.