Volunteer Opportunities

Be part of one of nature's most exciting nightly events, the bat emergence at Old Tunnel. Each night from May through early November, up to three million bats emerge to consume tons of insects throughout the Texas Hill Country. Thousands of visitors come to see the impressive event, and Volunteer Naturalists are critical in the protection and enjoyment of this resource.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department biologists work with "Friends of the Old Tunnel", a volunteer organization which provides support to the many public activities and research opportunities of the Old Tunnel WMA. This volunteer group currently provides approximately 1,500-2,000 volunteer hours on an annual basis at the Old Tunnel WMA. Volunteers receive training materials and an average work commitment of approximately 3 hours, one night per week.

Activities

• Assist in presenting informal programs to visitors.
• Answer questions about bats, train history, research and schedules.
• Greet visitors and assist with tour sales.
• Participate in hands-on research, including trapping and bat monitoring.
• Present special programs to schools and other groups throughout the community.