Last summer there was much talk about the Zika virus and concerns about it coming to the northern states, including Michigan. The first and second grade HAP (Honors Accelerated Placement) classes at Memorial School decided to find out how they could help. With the help of their teachers, Dr. Ann Ferrier and Ms. Kelly Depriest, they learned that the Zika virus was transmitted by mosquitoes and that bats can eat up to 1,000 mosquitos per hour each night. The students decided bat houses would be a good thing for our city.
With the help of the Garden City Kiwanis and with supplies donated by Home Depot, the kids built 21 bat houses that are being distributed throughout the city. Several of the bat houses were presented to Dan Plamondon, the Director of the Garden City Parks and Recreation Department, to be installed at Garden City Park.
“I’m sure the park will be the perfect place for these bat houses,” said Plamondon, “and we thank the students from Memorial School for being proactive in helping their community.”
The students presented a bat house to Garden City Schools Superintendent Derek Fisher at a recent School Board meeting. Bat Houses are also being put up around schools in town and by members of the Garden City Kiwanis.