The Sonoran Speaker Series will feature a lecture on the ecological importance of bats in Arizona. The event, titled “Incredible Bats,” is scheduled for January 13, 2026, at 6:00 PM at the Valley of the Sun J in Scottsdale. Hally Cokenias, co-founder of Arizona Bat Rescue, will lead the presentation.
Cokenias has extensive experience rehabilitating and studying local bat populations. She emphasized the significance of bats in desert ecosystems, stating, “Bats are among our most important yet misunderstood wildlife neighbors. They’re incredibly beneficial species that serve as natural pest control and pollinators, playing essential roles in our desert ecosystem.”
The lecture aims to provide information for both experienced bat enthusiasts and those unfamiliar or uneasy about bats. Organizers hope attendees will gain a better understanding of bats’ contributions to controlling insects and pollinating plants.
The Sonoran Speaker Series is an ongoing free program designed to connect community members with the natural and cultural heritage of the Sonoran Desert. It features experts from across the Southwest who share knowledge about ecology and conservation.
Registration is required due to limited seating. More information about this event and future lectures can be found at dflt.org/speakerseries.
Valley of the Sun J offers programs focused on enrichment, fitness, education, and cultural engagement for all community members. Desert Foothills Land Trust works with partners to conserve sensitive lands and species in the north Valley region and manages nearly 1,100 acres across 29 preserves.
For further details or media inquiries, contact Rachel Stringham, Director of Community Engagement at Desert Foothills Land Trust.
